http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/2119198/
A soldier based at Fort Bragg has been killed in Iraq. The military confirmed Monday that Army Spc. Matthew K. Reece of Harrison, Ark., died Saturday from wounds sustained when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb in Baghdad.
Reece was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. He joined the Army in 2005 and arrived at the 82nd Airborne the following year.
The military says Reece is survived by his wife, two children and his parents. A memorial service will be held in Iraq.
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It is another trying time for the soldiers of our company as another one of our brothers made the ultimate sacrafice, trying to bring peace and freedom to a nation that has not seen such a thing. His platoon was attacked by a faceless, cowardly enemy who will do anything to prevent such a bright future for their country.
I was a part of the QRF (Quick Reaction Force) that was called up immediatly after the attack. It was chaos getting up, ready and out to do what we could to help our fellow soldiers and friends. There was no hesitation, and the words struck deep in to us as we were told "They've been hit by an IED! They have casulties!"; We were in such a mode that got things happening FAST, despite the chaos, confusion and worries.
By the time we got to the scene, another unit was there and had secured the area. Our guys had already rushed off with the wounded soldiers, so we went to recover the vehicle. Once we had the truck back, myself and a couple other team leaders made sure to keep the soldiers away and began to sort through everything and recover important equipment that was left behind.
From the sight of the vehicle and the way things looked inside, I can only imagine the chaos that had fallen upon the guys in that convoy. One of my friends was the TC (Truck Commander) of that vehcile and he suffered some minor injuries. My heart goes out to him, the other guys in the truck that were hurt, as well as all the guys in that convoy and our company. We learned not too long after we had the vehicle back that SPC Reece had been killed. There was utter disbelief. Another soldier in the truck we were told they wern't sure if he was going to make it or not. Thanks to the great job of the soldiers and their medic that day, he will live.
It seemed things had been going well lately, and with the end of our deployment nearing, a lot of us had felt that we would ride the rest of the deployment out without incident. But just like that everything changed, and once again the true nature of this war and our enemy came back to haunt us. The men of Charlie company would have to endure the pain and emotions of another lost soldier. Although he may no longer be with us here physically, Reece will live on in the hearts and minds of the soldiers who were lucky enough to serve with him. May God watch over you and your family and know we are thinking of you and your sacrifice down here.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Never forget SPC Matthew Kyle Reece...
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11 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear the loss of one of your comrades. Thoughts and prayers for the surviving family and for you guys and girls there who now have to deal with the loss.
~ Wolf Lover Girl
My thoughts are with SPC Reece's family. I'm so sorry to hear about this.
My sincerest condolences to you and your brothers. I keep you all, especially SPC Reese's family in deepest prayer. I'm so sorry, ED.
So very sorry to hear of the loss. We cannot grasp the anguish in your hearts, the emptiness left inside after losing a brother. And for this to occur in the last stages of deployment just adds to the suck. Grieve, remember, carry on. You and those with you are in thoughts and prayers.
Cathy B
I received notification of this loss from the Chaplain thru the FRG. I have been checking here everyday when I saw he was Charlie Company, as I knew you would write a remembrance for him. How hard it must be to lose a fellow soldier, a companion, and to see others injured. I had just written to my son to be very careful; more careful than ever. Our daily news continues to say things are much calmer there, the end is in sight, etc. etc. etc. Obviously, the danger is still very very real.
God Bless you all, stay safe and be vigilant.
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the - Web Reconnaissance for 12/05/2007 A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day...so check back often.
Eddie,
A warrior indeed, a family whose pain we can never soothe, a debt we as a country can never repay.
Rest in Peace, Matthew Reese.
Gratitude and Prayers for all.
Eddie, I am so sorry for the loss of SPC Reece. Please take care of yourself.
I'm so sorry that such a tragic event had to happen in the closing days of your deployment. Although from all accounts the violence in Iraq is subsiding, it still is a war zone and, unfortunately, sometimes the enemy's tatics still work. My heart goes out to SPC Reece's family, friends, and brothers-in-arms. Please know that many of us here at home honor SPC Reece's sacrifice, as we honor the courage it took him, you, and all the other men & women serving in the Armed Forces to stand up and say, "I'll go." Thank you, SPC Reece for your honorable service.
I recieved word through email. I hate getting emails with horrible news like that. I will pray for Reece and his family. I will also pray for all of our soldiers who still have to live through all this bs. Keep strong.
I attended Kyle's funeral today. It was held in the school gym where he had played basketball so many times. School was called off in order to honor him. All who spoke brought up how much he cared for his fellow brothers in arms. His wife (who is due with his 3rd child in Jan) spoke of his dedication and relayed a few comments from some of his teammates. I admire her courage in dealing with this tragedy. May the rest of you all return home safe. Our prayers are with you all.
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