Matt Wallace Blog http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php Virginia Newspaper Advertisement http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry070207-072558 ]]> Cpl. Matthew P. Wallace Patriot Scholarship Foundation http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry070202-072423
In honor of Corporal Wallace, the Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (HRNROTC) has established the Wallace Patriot Scholarship, which will provide funds to young men and women who have suffered the loss or wounding of a military service member in the Global War on Terror or future armed conflicts.

The HRNROTC is seeking individual and corporate donors and sponsors to provide fully funded scholarships for at least four students via Wallace Patriot Scholarships.

Tax-advantaged contributions can be made in cooperation with Old Dominion University’s Dominion Fund.

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS can be made via checks payable to “PRAG” (memo: Wallace Patriot Scholarship) and mailed to

Patuxent River Assembly of God
P.O. Box 828
California, MD 20619
301-862-9200

or at http://www.givetoodu.com

CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS can be made via the Old Dominion University web site, http://www.givetoodu.com, or by contacting

Ryan Martin
Director of the Dominion Fund
129 Koch Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
757-683-5738

rkmartin@odu.edu.




For updates, please visit http://www.CPLMatthewWallace.com

The Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps is one of the largest officer training battalions in the nation consisting of over 250 Sailors, Marines, and Midshipmen. It is comprised of a three school consortium that includes Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and Hampton University.]]> Bracelet ordering details http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry061114-154650 Ranger Joe's online store. The specific item you can order is the customized KIA bracelet. You'll need to specify the 4th ID logo and two lines of text. The following were entered on the original order: "CPL MATTHEW P WALLACE" and "4TH ID JULY 21, 2006 BAGHDAD". Cost is sixty dollars for five bracelets.]]> Memorial Bracelet Order is Complete! http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry061103-185629 Memorial Bracelet Update 3 http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry061005-133742 The memorial bracelet prototype has been received! Click on the thumbnail for a full-size image. They are quite handsome, made of solid aluminum, painted satin black, with "CPL MATTHEW P WALLACE / 4TH ID JULY 21, 2006 BAGHDAD" and a 4th ID logo and American flag engraved into the metal. ]]> Community Care http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry061005-124111
County Commisioner President Thomas McKay recalled the profound impact he received at the Wallace Memorial Service, "The testimony of their faith in God and devotion to their country was one of those most moving events I've ever attended."

This occasion was a celebration welcoming home the 243rd, they have every reason to be congratulated. They have enough sorrow with the loss of their own soldiers. The fact that they chose to include Wallace and Faulstich was a generous and kind gesture on their part. Knowing these beloved men continue to be remembered is one of the sweetest gifts their families can receive. The ongoing care expressed by our local community is deeply appreciated. ]]> Memorial Bracelet Update 2 http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060824-083234 The order of Memorial Bracelets for Matt will begin in the next 3-4 weeks. More information to follow. Keep checking in for details.
]]> Memorial Bracelets Update http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060810-090831 Due to the large response to the Memorial Bracelet idea, one of the men in our community has offered to take this project on. He has ordered a prototype braclet, but it takes a few weeks because of the individualized detailing. The Wallace family will receive this for review. Once we know the bracelet is correct, we will post ordering directions on this site. It will probably be sometime in September before it's all straight, so please be patient and check back with this site. Thank you to all for your desire to keep Matt's memory close at heart.]]> Letter from the Wallaces http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060809-152329 From a letter to the Enterprise from the Wallaces:

He has become your son, too, and you have treated him and us as such

Being forced into tragic circumstances gives us a fresh perspective on life. Things we once valued no longer hold the same value. Insignificant things become significant, and what we once thought important no longer holds such importance. Those who have walked in such places immediately have a kinship with others who are walking there. They do not need to explain; they merely look at one another with mutual respect and admiration for their common experience. It is this context from which principles of life and conduct during troubled times are born.

‘‘I am an American Soldier. I will always place the mission first; I will never accept defeat; I will never quit; I will never leave a fallen comrade.” This is the U.S. Army’s Warrior Ethos, a set of principles by which every soldier lives. But this ethos is not exclusive to the Army, nor is it limited to the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard. Upon the occasion of dedicating the Army Warrior Ethos exhibit at the Pentagon on Nov. 10, 2004, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker noted, ‘‘It applies to a broader sense, not just while we are in uniform, and not just while we’re in service to our country, but in our personal and professional lives in all respects,” referring here to all services, civilians and family members.

From firsthand experience, we can testify that the U.S. Army takes this commitment very seriously, even to the last. For more than 1,290 Army families who have lost a beloved son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, niece, nephew, or cousin in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, we know just how deeply this thread runs.

The list is too exhaustive to detail here, but some highlights are worthy of note to convey the sense of support, shielding and protection we felt in the days following Matt’s injuries and death. Conversations we have had with many — from Matthew’s unit captain who was on the scene the day Matt and Staff Sgt. Jason Evey were mortally wounded, to the network of friends and extended family in Germany who went to Matt’s bedside to read him scripture, to our friends who snatched our daughter home from Panama, to the sergeant who accompanied Matt’s remains from Europe, to the family friend who requested reassignment so he could meet Matt’s plane in Dover, to the escorts who assisted in delivering Matt to his final resting place — Matt, a fallen comrade, was never left alone. Nor was his family left alone.

Dear friends, neighbors, colleagues, acquaintances, and concerned citizens of St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties, you did not leave us alone. Your practical demonstrations of love, concern, care and compassion transcend the English language’s capacity to express our gratitude. You washed dishes. You did laundry. You stayed up nights with us. You cleaned gutters. You brought meals. You sent cards and donations (more than ,300 will go to the Fisher House Foundation). Some of you brought tributes in the form of works of art, plaques or notes to our home. One of you left a semi-anonymous handwritten note on our car upon seeing the signs we’d painted on our windows. Thank you, Susan, whoever you are.

We commend and thank the organizations and individuals who have assisted our family during this most difficult time: Booz Allen Hamilton; Brinsfield Funeral Home; the citizens of the community of St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties; The Enterprise newspaper; Fisher House Foundation; Food Lion (Solomons); Giant; Hair It Is; Heritage Printing and Graphics; McKay’s Food Store; Maryland General Assembly; Office of the Governor of Maryland; Operation Hero Miles; Patriot Guard Riders; Patuxent Presbyterian Church; Patuxent River Assembly of God; Shopper’s Food Warehouse; St. Mary’s County commissioners; St. Mary’s County Emergency Friendly Fund; St. Mary’s Hospital; Sheetz Inc.; Southern Tire; Tidewater Dental Associates; U.S. Army; U.S. House of Representatives; U.S. Senate; Wyle Laboratories Inc.; and every individual who is currently serving or has ever served in any branch of the U.S. military.

As Mary so aptly stated in her remarks at the memorial service, ‘‘If we’ve overlooked anyone, please charge it to our heads, not our hearts.” You have been family to us in the truest sense of the word.

We have been residents of St. Mary’s County for more than 18 years. We have always loved it here and we could not imagine having experienced this loss with any other community family. Our fellow countians lining the streets to pay their respects to our son touched us beyond measure.

We do have a fresh perspective on life. It is a precious gift with an uncertain duration. Distant memories have sharpened and suddenly become priceless sustaining treasures. Our confidence in the American spirit has been strengthened, and our appreciation for our community here in Southern Maryland reinforced. Matthew is not only our son, he has become your son, and you treated him and us as such.

Thank you and God bless you all.

-- The Wallace family: Keith, Mary,Jessica, Abigail and Micah
Lexington Park]]> Continuing coverage and links http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060807-145424 here. Normally we will not post a blog entry for every story (there are too many!), but we wanted to emphasize that this "Links" list is still growing regularly. If you come across a story we missed, please let us know about it so we can link it for everyone else.]]> Memorial Bracelet http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060807-110229
There is a similar product available now that would have information about Matt Wallace on it. It is called a "Memorial Bracelet". They are metal, not rubber. Someone is researching what information is needed to place an order including cost and so forth. If you are interested please reply so we can consider whether to post the details here or do a large group order. The person researching this is already providing them for the Wallace family. ]]> Arlington Location Details http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060806-212606
You can take a look at the Google Maps overhead view here.

]]> Hardcopy of Articles requested for Wallace Scrapbook http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060804-160019 From here forward http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060802-221923 Many thanks to the hundreds of people who stood by the roadside and the graveside; hung out flags; wept as the funeral procession passed by; and did countless other things to express honor for Matt Wallace today. Your expressions of patriotism and kindness mean more than you could ever know. News and radio reports continue to come in from across the region, thanks for passing those on to the family.

As we transition into the next stages of grief, the tender care you have shown this family will remain an important well of strength for them to draw from.

For the many who keep offering "anything you need" - there are ways you can start "doing" now. Someone from PRAG is co-ordinating evening meals for the family; please either call the church 301-862-9200, or reply to this post with your contact information to be added to the list.

There are several practical things and some "wishes" that I'm (Louise) going to suggest. Please be aware these come from my observation or awareness, they are not direct requests from the Wallaces. This is not meant to be crude or offensive; but rather help transform generous words into real life actions.

The girls need to do "Back to School" shopping; gift cards, gas cards, etc., would be a blessing to them.

The family has received many beautiful documents and pictures, some of these items will need to be framed.

Donate "leave" time from their jobs.

The family cars need cleaning. The lawn could be mowed.Keith's car is undergoing major repairs at present, he can tell you what that involves.

If you don't cook, maybe you can provide a restaurant gift card?

Tickets to movies, shows, other events that they can do all together
as a family give them the a few hours of feeling "normal".

Jessica & Scott became formally engaged 3 days before Matt was injured. They drove to NC to join the family at the beach for a week of celebration. They were barely there 24 hours before they came home and their week of joy became a week of agony. Some of you have the resources to give them a day trip package somewhere, restaurant gift cards, spa gift cards,etc., things that would restore some of the time and joy that was taken from them. Jessica & Scott are to be commended for humbly laying down the attention that should have been theirs in order to honor Matt. Their engagement is something Matt was rooting for, let's refresh their excitement.

Responses can be sent to the church or reply to this post with your contact information if we need to make delivery connections.
If you have already given please feel released from doing more, but as so many people keep asking how they can help these suggestions should suffice. Of course donations should still be sent to the Fisher Houses, per the link on Memorial gifts.

Above all, your on going prayers for comfort and grace to surround the family day and night are what they need most. The one thing the family would ask is for you to remember to pray for the many soldiers still on duty, and their families at home. Thank you.]]> Channel 9 news interview and video http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060724-234822 related story page (click the Related Video link). It's a great interview, very well edited, and is very uplifting. Thanks to reporter Phyllis Armstrong and WUSA9.]]> Map to Memorial Service http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060724-165029 here.]]> Reception Food Notes http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060724-124230
Any questions please call Molly Frink at the church at 301-862-9200.
]]> Memorial Service Details: Thursday 27 July at 1pm http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060724-111121
The family will also receive friends and guests from 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday July 26, 2006 at Patuxent River Assembly of God, 45020 Patuxent Beach Rd, California MD.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be given to benefit “The Fisher House” which is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. All checks made out to PRAG will benefit the Fisher House in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
]]> Article in the Washington Post http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060724-010905
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 00644.html
]]> The Family is Home http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060723-150215 please allow the family quiet time through Tuesday. Please call before showing up at their home any time this week. They will need to sleep, make their own phone calls, and have a bit of down time before the public services later in the week.]]> Family is Back in the States http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060722-213623 Patience http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060722-133531
Because of the incredibly difficult circumstances and the exhausting amount of traveling they have done, please allow the family quiet time through Tuesday. Please call before showing up at their home any time this week. They will need to sleep, make their own phone calls, and have a bit of down time before the public services later in the week. If they feel they are ready for visitors sooner, they will have it posted here. The idea is to simply let them catch their breath. Thank you for your understanding. Please continue to pray for comfort, peace, and grace to permeate this dear family.

Thanks to the community for the signs in honor of Matthew, it is sweet to know he is remembered by many people here.
]]> Address for mailing cards http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060721-144331
Wallace
c/o Patuxent River Assembly of God
P.O.Box 828
California, MD 20619

The church can also be contacted by phone at 301-862-9200.

Thank you for each expression of sympathy and kindness.]]> Enterprise newspaper article http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060721-134500
The Enterprise newspaper has a second article about Matt here.

Thanks, Matt, for your service and your sacrifice. We are truly honored.]]> Glory http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060721-080552
At 07:30a.m. EST, the family chose to unplug Matthew from the ventilator. He very quickly and peacefully passed away. The family reports the "Spirit of Liberty" was very present in the room, there was a strong presence of comfort, release and edification surrounding them. They are at peace with their decision, and grateful to have been together as a family in that moment.

Travel arrangements will take time, please just continue to pray for them as they prepare for the days ahead.]]> Return Plans http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060721-080000 Change in Plans http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060720-210946
Please continue to pray through the night for those traveling, tending Matt, and for our dear Matt himself. Thank you. ]]> Family Travel Update http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060720-171645
Please pray that the entire family will be able to relax on the flight over and get some much needed rest, both physically and mentally and that they will be able to keep food down.

Thank you for your prayers.]]> En Route Prayer Request http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060720-163117 Thursday afternoon update http://www.cplmatthewwallace.com/index.php?entry=entry060720-132222 There has been little news from the hospital, other than to convey the urgency with which they need the family to arrive. Matt's blood pressure and temperature are normal; otherwise there are no changes.

Please pray for great grace for the family members as they see Matt in his current condition, that they will be able to cope with what he looks like, the hospital setting, etc. Also pray for no jet lag, adjustment to new time frame, food, water, etc.

The daughter who was sick is recovering speedily, thank you for your prayers for her.

Please continue to pray for Matthew; as long as there is life--there is hope.

Thank you for all the prayers and encouraging comments. Please pass this blog site along to others for updates. We understand this is a "BIG" issue and people are hungry for information, we are trying to post updates regularly. At the same time...this is a beloved son, and the family needs some space as they walk through difficult times, please let them have peace. Thanks for understanding.

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