Remember Our Heroes
Marine Sgt. Matthew E. Mendoza, 24, of San Antonio, Texas
Sgt. Mendoza was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.; died June 20, 2008 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Matthew E. Mendoza joined the Marines in 2004, becoming a pistol and rifle instructor at Twentynine Palms and training fellow soldiers in anti-terrorism tactics.
"He was good at slowing them down, making them relax and helping them qualify on the shooting range," said his father, Raul. "He was proud that he helped some of the females qualify. He got one shooting at expert level with the rifle."
Mendoza, 24, of San Antonio, Texas, was killed June 20 during combat in Helmand province. He was assigned to Twentynine Palms.
"He had a wonderful 24 years of life here that was cut short way too early," said his father. "As a sergeant his goal was to get all the men from his platoon back home. That was his No. 1 goal; he was going to do everything it took to make sure that happened. It took everything he had."
Football came naturally to Mendoza, who played in a Pop Warner youth league as a boy. He was a linebacker and running back in high school, and later coached in Pop Warner as an adult.
Mendoza also is survived by his wife, Valerie; 6-year-old son, Matthew.
Marine Sgt. Matthew E. Mendoza was killed in action on 6/20/08.
3 comments:
My prayers go out to Mendoza and his family. I know he served his country well. Not a day should go by without a prayer thanking and remembering him and his famiy, for their sacrifices for our country.
Matt was a great guy, I knew him for only a short time whilst out in Afghanistan in June. He made me welcome in his vehicle and enthralled me with tales of his family back home, particularly his wife, child and parents...oh and his motorbike!!
I have a few pics of him taken days before he was taken, and will treasure them.
What can I say, but, he touched many people out there and did a fantastic job. God bless Matthew!
Gaz (British Army)
Dear Gaz (British Army) I am Matthews dad. My name is Raul. Sir if you read this please contact me sir. I would like to see the photos you have of my son Matthew. He left behind a son now 7, It is important to me that we have as much info about Matt for his son. Photos and things. Please contact me at redozerfootball@yahoo.com that is my email. I have wrote to Moss and he had some very nice things to say. I would be greatful for your help sir.
Thank you.
Raul Mendoza Proud Dad Of A United States Marine.
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