A New Guardian Angel Has Arrived
Leta has said it much more eloquently and personally than I ever could. Please take the time to read about the life, and death, of SFC Matthew Blaskowski, KIA 9/23/07.
This was his third tour in Iraq/Afghanistan. During his 2003 tour, Matt was the NCOIC of the 173rd Airborne immediately after jumping in.
His second tour was spent in Iraq, where he was awarded both the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. After spending 3 months at home recovering from his wounds, his grandmother said that Matt "packed his bags and headed back to serve his country. He said, 'Nana, it's my job, and I like doing it."
This tour, with the 503rd Infantry (Airborne unit) has been spent in Afghanistan, at an FOB with very few modern comforts. He was killed on September 23, during a firefight near the Pakistani border. He will be laid to rest today in Michigan, where the governor has ordered all flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-mast in Matt's honor.
My good friend, Leta, is really hurting over this death. You can hear it in her writing, and if I could talk to her about it right now, I'm sure we'd both be in tears before long. If Leta, who has never met Matt except through mail, is hurting... I can only imagine the pain his family, friends and fellow Soldiers are feeling right now.
Rest in peace, Matt. As Leta said, I'm sure the gates of heaven were standing wide open to welcome you home, our newest Guardian Angel.
*******************
UPDATE... from Matthew's Mom:
I am sorry but, the information with regard to Matthews service and deployments is not entirely accurate.
Matthew was actually with rear detachment command when the troops were in Iraq for their first tour there.
This was due to a broken leg the fall prior to the invasion.
He deployed to Afghanistan in 2005, where he was shot one month into his deployment, returned a few months later, to his orignal squad "The Clydesdales".
Matthew received the Silver Star for his valor and galentry in action as well as the Purple Heart.
I am Matthews mom.
ARMYMOM MICHIGAN
Army Mom,
First of all, let me say how sorry I am for the loss of your son. He was, and always will be, a dedicated and brave Soldier. Thank you for clearing up his service record. It's an honor to write about your son. Thanks for stopping by- feel free to comment any time you want.
This was his third tour in Iraq/Afghanistan. During his 2003 tour, Matt was the NCOIC of the 173rd Airborne immediately after jumping in.
His second tour was spent in Iraq, where he was awarded both the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. After spending 3 months at home recovering from his wounds, his grandmother said that Matt "packed his bags and headed back to serve his country. He said, 'Nana, it's my job, and I like doing it."
This tour, with the 503rd Infantry (Airborne unit) has been spent in Afghanistan, at an FOB with very few modern comforts. He was killed on September 23, during a firefight near the Pakistani border. He will be laid to rest today in Michigan, where the governor has ordered all flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-mast in Matt's honor.
My good friend, Leta, is really hurting over this death. You can hear it in her writing, and if I could talk to her about it right now, I'm sure we'd both be in tears before long. If Leta, who has never met Matt except through mail, is hurting... I can only imagine the pain his family, friends and fellow Soldiers are feeling right now.
Rest in peace, Matt. As Leta said, I'm sure the gates of heaven were standing wide open to welcome you home, our newest Guardian Angel.
*******************
UPDATE... from Matthew's Mom:
I am sorry but, the information with regard to Matthews service and deployments is not entirely accurate.
Matthew was actually with rear detachment command when the troops were in Iraq for their first tour there.
This was due to a broken leg the fall prior to the invasion.
He deployed to Afghanistan in 2005, where he was shot one month into his deployment, returned a few months later, to his orignal squad "The Clydesdales".
Matthew received the Silver Star for his valor and galentry in action as well as the Purple Heart.
I am Matthews mom.
ARMYMOM MICHIGAN
Army Mom,
First of all, let me say how sorry I am for the loss of your son. He was, and always will be, a dedicated and brave Soldier. Thank you for clearing up his service record. It's an honor to write about your son. Thanks for stopping by- feel free to comment any time you want.
posted by AFSister at 11:38 AM | 
3 Comments:
Matt served his country and family well, I know first hand of the conditions he was living in and the life at the KOP. Bless you Matt and your loved ones, stand guard over your fellow soldiers, they still need you!
Mom of a 173rd soldier
By
Unknown, at 11:08 PM
I am sorry but, the information with regard to Matthews service and deployments is not entirely accurate.
Matthew was actually with rear detachment command when the troops were in Iraq for their first tour there.
This was due to a broken leg the fall prior to the invasion.
He deployed to Afghanistan in 2005, where he was shot one month into his deployment, returned a few months later, to his orignal squad "The Clydesdales".
Matthew received the Silver Star for his valor and galentry in action as well as the Purple Heart.
I am Matthews mom.
ARMYMOM MICHIGAN
By
Anonymous, at 4:45 PM
THANK YOU! for recognizing Matthew through your site.
ARMYMOM MICHIGAN
By
Anonymous, at 4:48 PM
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