My heartfelt condolences / Terry Louthain (Army Mom of the 118th MP Co ) To Matt's family,
I offer my sincere condolences to you at this difficult time. I was at the service for Matt, standing with the Patriot Guard. My son is an MP with the 118th. We lost my son's best friend in Baghdad on July 19. I had just returned from California to attend his service, when the email came about Matt.
From reading all the wonderful tributes...I know that Matt was a special person and will be greatly missed by not only you, his family, but by our Community as well.
"It is precisely in accepting death as the end of all, and in laying down, on that sorrowful condition, his life for his friends, that the hero and patriot of all time has become the glory and safety of his country." John Ruskin
Today is A Bad Day... / Heidi Perry-Hipp (Aunt) Dear Mom and Matt,
I like to write to you both here because when you press that "send" button on an e-mail, you have to have faith that it gets where it's supposed to go. It's kind of like thinking of you two. Maybe there is some high speed internet in Heaven and you guys are sitting in an internet cafe (Mom, Matt is showing you how to do it). and you're both reading all the things we write to you.
Today is a bad day. We all get them once in a while and today is one of mine. I hope Debbie isn't having one too, because our bad days seem to fall in the same places. One of the advantages of being sisters, I guess. If any one deserves good days, it's Debbie. But, this isn't about her, is it? ;)
I think constantly about what you two are up to up there. The other night, in fact, right before we heard about Matthew's accident, I woke up ready to pounce on my daughter for scaring me. I felt her touch my ear in my sleep. But, when I woke up, there was no one there. When I woke up in the morning, Debbie had left the message to call her back and that is when she told me about Matt. Was it you, Mom? Were you trying to warn us all that the next day was going to be a bad one and that you were with us?
I apologize to both of you. I have to admit I was really mad when I heard about Matt because Mom, you said you'd take care of him. We all just assumed that meant that you'd bring him back to us safely. Knowing that we had that to hold on to made is easier for me to let you go. So, when we heard about Matthew, it was like losing you both all over again. As the days go by, I realize that Mom, you were and are taking care of him. Evidently, you felt that it was safer to have him there with you where we wouldn't have to worry about him anymore. Though I think it's selfish on your part, I also think about how selfish it is on our part to want him here with us. This way he can be with all of us all the time. You both can.
I want a day to come where I don't see an American Flag and start to cry, where I can listen to a trumpet and not here "Taps" in my head, when I can close my eyes and see your faces instead of your headstones.
I have much to be grateful for and to look forward to. I have such a wonderful family. This whole summer has brought us so much closer together. I think we're ready to build the compound! ;) I've said this to Debbie, but I don't think she believes me so I want you to make sure she knows. She is MY hero. She has weathered some storms in her life that would make anyone insane. Don't get me wrong, she is insane...but she is also the bravest person I have ever known. Mom, as much as you both hate to admit it, that's the "you" in her. Having her around is like having a part of you still in my life and I thank you so much for giving me my big sister.
Matt, please give your mother back her glasses. Keep a close eye on those guys still in Iraq. We've all grown to love them all so much, just because you were part of their lives too. They knew a part of you we all didn't...and so we want to drink them in too. I know (Aunt Heidi, that's so stupid!)
Well, I should go now. Ainsley has a loose tooth and I have to shop for school supplies. Kindergarten starts soon. It's amazing how fast time goes.
I love and miss you both so much.
Love, Heidi
The Great Memorys about Matt / Ashley Cook-davis (school friend ) I grew up with Matt, I went to Pioneer Trail Junior High, and Olathe East when we where in High School we lost contact because we went our seperate ways and seeing the people that have died from our graduation year it makes me sad to know i didnt keep in touch more. I did work with Matt at HyVee, when we were 15 or 16 years old, and the only thought that went thru my head was "OH MY GOD" but my best memorys with Matt were when we would be at work and Matt would get the urge to ride the pony in HyVee and he had on a little cowboy hat and would ride it over and over and over and he was always making people laugh.
RIP MATT YOU WILL BE MISSED THANKS FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY!!!!!!!!
Our Sympathy / Stuart Clark (Neighbor)
Our family felt the loss upon hearing of Matthew's passing. He grew into a fine young man. We remember Matthew as a child full of energy and questions. We remember your families kindness as neighbors. Thank you for putting up this website so we could let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Stuart, Ruthann, Courtney, MacKinzie, Logan and Riley Clark
Poem/ Michael Murchison (Father) The following poem was sent to me by Matt's Mother Debbie. I lost my Dad when I was fourteen. I thought there would be no greater pain than that, but I was wrong. The following poem says it all,
As a son I lost a father, As a father, I lost a son If the choice was mine, I'd rather Had not lost either one.
I do not know where I come from Or where I am to go True, this fate is less than some And more than some can know.
My father, my son - you both I miss But we shall meet someday In the kingdom where angels kiss To chase the clouds away.
Dad, Matt, and Granny I miss and love you all. Till we meet again.
Love Mike
Letter to You / Melissa Murchison (Sister) Matt
The thought of even reading this at your funeral is still something that I cannot fathom. I’ve come to peace with the fact that you’re gone, but I still don’t want to think it’s real. I couldn’t wait for the day that we could pick you up at the airport after so many months at war. I never could’ve imagined that we would have to pick you up this way. Now it’s your turn to pick us up and carry us through this time. The only thing that keeps me going through these days is to know that your arms are wrapped around me, helping me along the way. My mind is constantly consumed with thoughts of what you felt, what kind of soldier you were, and how happy you were. I worry that I didn’t tell you enough how much I loved you, but at the same time it was something that didn’t need to be said, we both knew. Being put on this earth with another soul is a blessing and that’s what you are to me. There will never again be someone who’s half of me like you were. And now without you, I feel like that half of me is just missing. I’ve spent my life treasuring you and wanting to protect you from all of the world’s harms, but I guess I met my match. As much as we all worried about you joining the Army, we still let you do it, cause it was what you’ve wanted since you were a little boy. You wanted to be like Dad, and you chose the Army to help you along the way. I know it was what you loved and I know how proud you were of what you were doing. Please know that your own pride, doesn’t even equal a fraction of the pride we all feel for you. Maybe you knew more than we did this whole time. You always did say you were a Hero. Well Matt, you sure are a hero, and not only to me, but to so many other people. I can’t be sad anymore because I know your in eternal happiness now. You feel no pain and that thought alone helps me get up every morning. I know you’ve given me the strength to handle this and help mom and dad through. Just please remember to continue to give me this strength and watch over us all. You died doing your job, risking your life for a country full of people, many of who will never be grateful. Just know that there are so many more who are grateful, not only for your sacrifice but just for having you in their lives. I will forever honor you and remember the young man you became. I know I have the best guardian angel now, so just help us all get through this. I love you more than I will ever love anyone Matt and the emptiness in my heart will remain forever. Thank you for all you gave me and our family, you held us together and will continue to for years to come. I love you Matt! You are my Hero!!
My Memories of a true Hero and Son / Michael Murchison (Father) Matt, All the time you were growing up you tended to walk in my shadow. You wanted to be like me and be in Law Enforcement. You always said "Can I have you're badge when you die?" Then later when I was driving a truck you use to ride along with me and we would talk for endless hours. You always had a lot of questions. I will always cherish these memories. Now it is I who walk in your shadow. I just hope I can make a difference in the world like you did. You affected everyone who ever met you. You really are my hero, and until we meet again I love you. Love Dad.
From one Soldier to another / Lee Cliborne (Served in Iraq with Matt ) My brother, my friend, I will never forget what you said to me the night you left, it will stay with me untill I leave this earth. You have given the ultimate sacrifice for your family and country. We still fight this war, but we do so with heavy hearts, we still drive on, but with your memory fresh in our minds. You always made me laugh with your "shananigans" and funny antics and quotes. To the family of Matt, it was an honor to walk in the shadow of the valley of death with Matt, one of the bravest soldiers I've ever known. I will never forget the night God called to Matt and issued him new orders to gaurd the gates of Heaven. He was a very family oriented guy, which is an outstanding quality to have in freind. So in close, Matt, my fellow brother in arms, I will meet up with you again my friend. We miss you here in Ruff Ryder country!!!!
Ruff Ryder for life / Deborah Welch (wife of SFC Welch who was his former PLT SGT ) I wanted to express my condolences to Spc Murchison's family. I did not know Murchison. I only met him in passing while he in-processed into Germany while I worked at the USO. I remember that he was a nice young man. My husband was his PLT SGT at the beginning of the deployment and a fellow Ruff Ryder. My husband said he was “a great kid”. The memorial in Hanau, Germany was a beautiful tribute to your brother. My prayers are with you and your family. Thank you SPC Murchison, for your military service. You will always be a Ruff Ryder for life! God Bless.
Hi there. Our hearts are saddened to think that Matt is gone. We remember when he was born and the good times our families had together. I do not have a computer so I asked my granddaughter Heather to send this for us.
Love & Prayers
Butch & Patty Achilles of Hutchinson, Kansas
Gold Star Mother / Tami Nelson To Matthew's family and friends, I am sorry so for your loss, your son was a true HERO and I thank him for his sacrifice and for yours. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and send my condolences. It is so hard to find the right words to say, even though I have been through this too I still can't seem to figure it out. I lost my son on Christmas Day last year and I just try to keep remembering how much Andrew wanted to be a soldier and how he died doing what he wanted to do. It sounds like Matthew did too. Keep the memories of your son alive and he will always be right there with you. Please know that I am thinking of you and God Bless you and your family. Tami
Proud of a Hero / Melissa Bissell (Proud of a HERO(USA GA) ) God bless.
My oldest son joined the Army after our youngest son died in his arms. His name is also Matthew. Matthew Murchison, you are a hero. God bless your family and the lives of ALL you have touched; which I'm certain is more than anyone can count.
Mom to Soldier / Visitor I would like to sent my deepest sympathies to the family of Matthew Murchison. I don't know what you are feeling at this time and never want to know the pain and sorrow you must be feeling. I to am a Mom, to a soldier. And my biggest fear is to lose my only child. You must be so proud of your child that has grown into a young man and fought for the freedom of our country. Matthew is in a place where war does not happen, there is only peace and love. I don't know Matthew but I can tell you that I am very proud of him and all the other soldiers that have lost their life to war. May god bless all of you.
Hanau Memorial Ceremony / Karen House (Attended Hanau Memorial Service ) Today I had the humbling honor of attending SPC Murchinson's Memorial Ceremony at the Pioneer Chapel, at his home base in Hanau, Germany. The chapel was filled with Matthew's comrades and friends, to pay tribute to their fallen brother. The ceremony was deeply touching and there is no sound more final than the bugle playing taps as the Company stands at attention.
Chaplain Bartlebaugh asked that all the angels in heaven rest on the shoulders of the 127th, and I pray that God will send angels to rest on the shoulders of SPC Murchinson's family as well.
my prayers are with you / Elizabeth Schwein (friend of family ) I never knew matthew that well, but his mother was my boss so i saw him a few times. He had a great personality and was such a sweet guy. Debbie also has this amazing personality, i wish i could have known him better cause i bet he was alot like his mom. She spoke of him so highly every day and was so proud of him. Im so sorry for your loss and if there is ANY THING i can do please let me know. Your whole family is in my prayers.
Veteran/ Tom Long (none) A friend of Greg & Mary Jane Fitts. It is very difficult to understand why events happen in our lives especially those so devastating. I am sure many wonder why Matt had to give his life at this particular time in his young life. I don't think any one knows the answer to that other than the Lord himself. What we do know is that Matt gave his life for his country and his comrades in arms. There is no greater gift nor scarifice than giving ones life for others. Whether that is for the people of Iraq who want peace or for our country it doesn't matter. He should always be remembered as an American who put the good of others above his own. As a proud Viet Nam veteran I am honored and humbled by his scarifice as well as those who have served with him. God bless Matt and his family and loved ones. And God Bless America. Tom Long
allways a hero / Kenny Ogilvie (natalies dad ) matt you are a wonderfull young man you meant so much to dottie natalie and i we will miss you but never forget you you will allways be our hero we love you matt you touched evrone of our lives rest easy son we will see you again someday
Miss you Matt / Chloe Yates (friend) Matt,you were one of the sweetest guys. You got along with everyone,and everyone loved you.I remember the time you and Bailey and Wilk took Michael and I out for my birthday. You took care of Michael and I on the ride home.lol .good times. Ill always remember you. I love you Matt. I know youre smiling now.
HERO/ Krystal I did not know Matthew nor his family but would just like to send my deepest sympathy for a true American Hero. Matthew fought for us all and will never be forgotten. I am so sorry for your loss.
My sympathy / Janelle Martinelli Hello, I am Janelle Martinelli, I am the family readiness leader for Matthew's unit in Hanau Germany. I am so sorry for you loss. Eventhough I never actually met your son, he is part of our family as well. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him, and even those who did not. I feel regret that I did not get to know Matthew. I look at his pictures and see what a good person he was. Please remember him in your heart as a hero because that is what he is...to everyone. Again from myself and all of the 127th Family Readiness Group, our sympathy.
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