US~Observer

April 2011 – Almost two months have passed since an IED (improvised explosive device) took the life of Marine Sergeant, Matthew DeYoung of Southern Oregon. It was his second encounter with an IED, and one that cost him his life during a combat mission in southwestern Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

“He was a marine since day one” stated DeYoung’s mother, Teddi. His father Bruce who was also a Marine, and mother Teddi had coincidentally met at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, the same Marine Camp where Matthew was stationed prior to his deployment in Afghanistan.

"The world needs to know we lost a great Marine, a great son, husband, father and brother," said Bruce DeYoung, Matthew’s father.

While remembering phone calls with Matthew, Bruce stated, "Even if we got disconnected, we would call back to say, 'I love you,' that was a family rule.”

While speaking with Matthew’s Father-in-law Tom Richmond, he said “if you ever had a son-in-law, you’d want him to be just like Matt.”

During his enlistment, Matthew earned more than a dozen military honors: Purple Heart with a gold star, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal with a bronze star, National Defence Ribbon, Afghan Campaign with a bronze star, Iraq Campaign with two bronze stars, Global War on Terrorism, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two bronze stars, NATO Isaf-Afghanistan award, Navy/Marine Corps Parachute Insignia, Rival Expert 4th Award and Pistol Expert Award.

As the DeYoung family left behind grieves, his mother Teddi stated, "It's been nine years (since the war in Afghanistan began), and what impact has it had? We are losing our sons and our daughters."

Matthew DeYoung is graciously remembered by many in our community. A heart-felt blog about Matthew DeYoung was written by local Municipal Court Judge, Jim Wickre, who also served in the military. Being a former Medic in the 82nd Airborne Division myself, Wickre’s statement “hit-home”. He describes how the war that started on 9/11 has touched Southern Oregon.

“…in the dead of winter, Sgt Matthew J. DeYoung of the United States Marine Corps was put to rest at the Eagle Point National Cemetery outside Medford. As the guns were fired and taps was played you could see the snow in the surrounding hills. In front of me there was a man in a gray civilian suite that matched the gray of his hair. Prior to the ceremony he had stood at parade rest with his hands behind his back. As the casket was taken from the hearse by the Marine Corps Honor Guard he came to formal attention where he stayed till the end of the ceremony. His back was ramrod straight, his hands cupped at his side. Two helicopters flew over in formation with Old Glory hung from one. A bagpiper played 'Amazing Grace' and the Marine Corps Hymn.” --Jim Wickre

It's a time for mourning; a time to remember that many lives have been lost in this war and their families are left to pick up the pieces, one day at a time. I appreciate the courage Matthew exhausted to help do what he thought was necessary to defend our freedom’s. He is a fallen soldier who will be remembered, always.

Matthew DeYoung is survived by his wife Aisha, Daughter, McKenzy who is now three years old, father Bruce, mother Teddi, sister Mandi, brother Bryce, sister Taylor, many other family members and friends, who will keep him in their hearts, forvever.

Please help his cause and donate to the Matthew DeYoung Scholarship Fund at any Chase Bank.

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