Rememberance of a Fallen Hero

My cousin's (Michelle Gardner) friend "like a son", Matt Meddlicott, was killed in Iraq Sunday. Michelle's sons (Charles and Matt) and Big Matt have been like brothers since kindergarten. He was a wonderful, bigger than life person. Everyone is devastated.
Charles Gardner (Michelle's eldest son) joined the marines because of Big Matt. Big Matt was a believer in the marines and was doing what he wanted most to do - fight for our country. He and eight other marines were killed in a tank. Apparently they were killed instantly. He will be truly missed. I guess we will be reading about this in the newspaper soon.

Say a prayer for Big Matt, his girlfriend, his family, Michelle's family, and all his friends at Memorial High School who say they will join the Marines as soon as they graduate this year.

This is an email I received from Michelle yesterday.

Subject: Fallen Hero URGENT!!!!!
Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:38:51 -0500
From: "Michelle Gardner" MGardner@UGHospital.com
To: CC: gardnermm@sbcglobal.net

Dear Mayor,

As you may have seen on TV, one of Houston’s heroes has fallen in Iraq protecting our freedom.
I just saw an announcement from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that he is requesting all flags be flown at half mast.
See below….
This would be a wonderful tribute to Lance Corporal Matthew Medlicott if his home town could do the same! He was a brother to many. He was a true force for good….all who knew him looked up to him. A true hero and warrior!

Thank you for your time,
Michelle Gardner (best friend of Matt’s mom)
713-816-4559


California Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Camp Pendleton Marine: Lance Cpl. Matthew S. Medlicott
Tue, 08/28/2007 - 08:21 — admin
08/27/2007 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Matthew S. Medlicott, of Houston, TX:
“The men and women of our armed forces epitomize courage and bravery, putting their lives on the line everyday to defend our country. The citizens of this great nation owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Lance Corporal Matthew Medlicott for selflessly undertaking this duty and making the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow Americans. Maria and I send our thoughts and prayers to Matthew’s family and friends as they mourn the loss of a valiant hero.”
Medlicott, 21, died Aug. 25 as a result of wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Medlicott was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, United States Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.
In honor of Lance Cpl. Medlicott, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
Source: California Governor