Operation Iraqi Freedom, Fallen Heroes, Iraq War 03/19/03

Matthew R Catlett

Houston, Texas

June 7, 2010

Age Military Rank Unit/Location
23 Army Spc

2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

Fort Campbell, Kentucky

 Killed when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Konar, Afghanistan.

From LtCol Arlen C Denney 06/17/10:

I saw the homecoming for Matthew R. Catlett, 23, of Houston, Texas come home today at Ellington Field, TX.

I wanted to write something for him and his family as I watched their reunion. The troops from the base gathered as the airplane taxied up and transferred him to the hearse. The Freedom Riders were presenting the Flags and I was humbled once again to be in the presence of a true hero.

A Name

I don’t know how to start this
But I know how it should end
With a nations heartfelt thank you
to his grieving family and his friends

As troops aligned - 50 flags proudly waved
Encircling his flag draped motorcade
Our salutes rendered - not much more we can give
To his widow and two precious little kids

Still soldier to soldier - we honor your call
Paying freedom forward one more day 
Allows us this time to salute you 
And one more day to say

No one ever wants a war 
That steals our very best
That robs a mother of her son
sprouts headstones for our vets

I wish the world leaders 
Could all be here today
And reflect upon this soldiers fate
As his life now fades away

Moving the war from our living room
Into the hearts of man
Can only make us stronger
When hero’s we meet – stand

He stands up for the weak ones
He stands for the nations call
He stands up for the freedoms
Enjoyed - by one and all

I’ll remember now and forever more 
Just what I saw today
Today when a distant war
Came home - and has a name

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