ACADIA, LA, US
U. S. Marine Corps
CPL, 2ND BN 8TH MAR (II MEF FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC
06/09/2011, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Marine Corporal Matthew T. Richard died June 9, 2011 in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. His unit was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Matthew loved his family, loved his friends and loved his country. He also loved to fish, duck hunt, and hang out with his buddies. The twenty-one year old Acadia, Louisiana Marine had wanted to be in the military since being in second grade. He wanted to enlist when he was seventeen, but had to wait until one week before his eighteenth birthday.
He was a 2008 graduate of Iota High School. Matthew was an outstanding and tenacious student and was well respected by his teachers. He was also a big football player who enjoyed the physical nature of the game, yet he was compassionate and caring for all people and things in nature. He liked to help those in need. Matthew died a Corporal who had been honored several times for his commitment and dedication to his country. He would share his Marine Corps passion with anyone willing to listen. He and his family have appreciated the support received from the United States Marine Corps and especially those stationed in Lafayette.
He is survived by his parents, one brother, one sister and brother-in-law, his Love, Adrianna, grandparents, and paternal great-grandmothers.
Matthew 19:24-26…. With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.