A candle to light the way of our prayers for his spirit and ours together forever. Amen

Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers (ps4fs@charter.net) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son and husband’s sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at gramman@comcast.net with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne

To the family and friends of Sgt. Matthew Mendoza:
Please accept my remembrance of Matthew on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

I just would like to say I saw SGT MATTHEW MENDOZAS picture on the news today and realized "omg I went to school w/this person"....I felt a sudden sadness that this young life has ended so extremely early. I feel extremely honored to have walked the same halls as this hero. My condolences to his family and friends! May he forever rest in peace!!!! HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL C/O 2003

just want to say thank you Matthew and every soilder protecting our freedom....i went to school with you hardly knew you, but know this....heroes are never forgoting....R.I.P from Daniel Huron

To the family and friends of Sgt. Matthew Mendoza:
Remembering Matthew on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Matthew you will never be forgotten. My nephew Mark David Juarez was recently KIA in Afghanistan. I spoke with your father for a very long time and he helped me in a way that no one else did. Mr. Mendoza if you read this, I want to say THANK YOU. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I want you to know that because of our talk I think of your son when I think of Mark David. May our boys RIP.

I was a machine gunner attached to Mendoza's platoon in Afghanistan and we did not know each other very well at first, but he treated me like if I were apart of his family and I never forgot that. It really hurt me the day we lost him. I will never forget Mendoza I think about him almost everyday in some way. I feel luck to have met him.

Its been over a year now and still he is missed as much as before!! My heart goes out to the family! He will always be missed! May he rest in peace always!!
Amanda Stout

I remember talking to him a few times.. I would see him in school everyday. They used to call him, "Strawberry"! I just wanted to say I'm sorry for him passing. He was a good friend to us all... Forever Praying, Roland Pena
Class of 2003 Highlands HighSchool

To the family of Sgt. Matthew Mendoza:
Matthew gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

To the family and friends of Sgt. Matthew Mendoza, I add my most heart felt condolences. I lost my son, L/Cpl. Carl L. Raines II, on 10-06-05 near the city of Al Qaim, Al Anbar Province, Iraq. I am a Marine,Vietnam Veteran, and was also a member of 2/7 during my tour in Nam. I salute you my brother, Semper Fi! Rest in Peace.

Thank you all. We here at home do feel and know how you feel about us and our son Matthew. We got back from 29 Palms Sunday. The Battalion Memorial was very much needed for all of us. Being able to be with Matthews men and all others he served with. Was a true Honor. We did not want to come back home. They truly did a great job in Honoring all the men of 2/7. It was truly the greatest thing I had ever seen in my life. And will help me the rest of my life. God Bless The Men And Family's Of 2/7. And Our Beloved Marine Corps.

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers! 
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM 
Please contact us! Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Mendoza family,
 I'm extemely sad to have found out so late about matthew's passing i'm currently out here in afghanistan supporting 2/7 working on ch53 helicopters. Matthew has be my good friend since boot camp he was actually the first person I met there. We graduated together and he helped me through it. I remember one time boot camp we had to run 3 miles and matthew being in way better shape than I as I was also injured running he stuck my next to me the entire time even while the DI's were yelling at him. It is one of my best memories of matt. How he would take all that punishment in order to help me through something it really hurts that god would take him so soon. I know that if he was still alive I would've seen him here on his way home. It would've been really great to have seen him here. Last time i saw him was in 29 palms when I went to visit him before our 2 deployment to Iraq. Mr.Mendoza I don't know if you remember me I spoke to you on the phone for a very long time once when matther was deployed and I was looking for him I also met you and your wife right after bootcamp when I went to visit from houston you were all very nice to me and I will always appreciate you welcoming over to your home I plan to visit when I return to the states again I hurt very much and I am sorry for your loss. Take care and I will be praying for matt. He was a great friend I will never forget him.

Semper FI Marine Brother. God Bless the Mendoza Family.

Heard the news yesterday of the loss of your son, Matthew. Dr. Homer and I extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you and all the family. Know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Know that in time God will help you learn to live with your loss as Matthew will forever be in your heart - he is forever a part of you.

This young man has made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in which has brought all that knew him such pain in our hearts.. I am so glad that I was able to know this fine young man in middle school in which he played football with my son Joseph Cirilo. We have the games at Connell on video in which shows Matt running for yards and touchdowns....Matt was a respectful and handsome young man. My family and I will forever be Thankful for Sgt. Mendoza serving in the USMC. To the family, our prayers and respect for raising such a fine young man. Our hearts ache for Matt in which was part of our southside community, he will be missed.

This is very difficult to even write at this time....Matt and I went to Connell and Highlands together, same grade too. Matt was my running back-he was my go to guy. I was quarterback in middle school. Matt sure had some fast legs on him!!! He was such a wonderful person to have known and played sports with. My heart aches as I see my friends picture and think of all the people Matt has touched in his young life. I am very pleased to say that Sgt. Mendoza was my friend and am ever so grateful for his ultimate sacrifice for our country. I will miss you old friend.....How soon time goes by, seems like just yesterday we were graduating from highschool. I will not say goodbye to you, but simply I WILL SEE YOU LATER MY FRIEND.

I am a British soldier and I served with Matt for a short time in Afghanistan before he was taken. 
He made me welcome in his vehicle and we shared some good conversations about family. He has touched my life and I will remember him always. He became a friend in this time and it was such a wrench when he left. I have some good memories of Matt and some funny ones also!
My thoughts, prayers and wishes go to his family. God bless you all.

Sgt. Matthew Mendoza 
you are my hero 
may god keep you in his arms forever

As a military spouse and USAA employee, my deepest condolescences to Mrs. Mendoza and family. Your husband's selfless contribution to defend our liberty and freedom to protect Americans will never be forgotten. God bless you!

I had the privledge and honor of serving with Sgt Mendoza on his first 2 deployments to Iraq, I was his platoon commander on his first, and his XO on his second. He truly was a great Marine and person. I can still remember the day he checked into my platoon like it was yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Farewell brother, until we meet again....

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

We are very sorry for your loss! Your son was brave and unselfish when he joined the military. It is a selfless act to want to protect the freedom of so many strangers! We pray that God will give you comfort and peace that goes beyond any understanding!

Linda Hubbard
mom of Joshua D. Hubbard USMC 2\7 Echo Company - Weapons Platoon - who is currently in Helmand Province and is proud to call Matthew his brother and friend!

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Matthew, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die. 
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti 
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission) 

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all. 
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side – 
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

I am a British soldier and I had the priveledge of serving with Matthew in Afghanistan for a very brief time before his death. I would just like to say that in this brief time I found him to be extremely professional, extremely funny and likeable and he certainly had a profound impact on me. Sincere condolences to Matthew's family and friends. I will never forget him.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Mendoza family and friends in the loss of Matthew. I did not know Matthew, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Matthew you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS 
OF THOSE YOU LEAVE BEHIND 
IS NEVER TO DIE" 
~Robert Orr~

My name is Raul Mendoza. Matthew is my son.And I would like to thank eveyone for your support and prayers. We have always been pro millitary family. many of serving in all branches. Matthew always wanted to be a United States Marine. From MCRD,SOI,SFT,ATT,CQCT, Serving at Banger WASH Sub Base,Cessapeck,29 Palms ECHO 27 2nd Plt 1 St sqd as a Pfc,Lcrp,Crp to Srgt. In both Deploments in Iraq and his last in Afg, Helmand Prv. He always loved being with his men. He KIA just one day short of four years in the Marine Corps. Within the next few days his plans were to reup for four more years. He got some thangs from us , his family at home, The rest he got from men he served with, In good times and in not so good times. Matthew would like the support all of you have given us here in San Antonio, But at the same time he would like it, If the men that he served with were not forgotten, They need our support too. They are still keeping the fight overthier. He served beside those men, and they need our help too. If you can, Look up USMC HQ or call them, They can help show us the best way we can help. Our Care PKS to Matthew are going to keep going back to those fine men. Myself and my wife Liz, Along with others, We will be at 29 Palms when they get back home to greet them. We must be, They are our FAMILY TOO. God Bless Us All.
 Raul Mendoza Proud Dad Of A United States Marine

Dear Matthew, Everyone knows me as the little girl who had the biggest crush on you. But I truly love you as a friend, and you will always be in my heart. I look back and remember all my cheesy little love notes, and I think god what was I thinking. But I don't regret it for one second, because you were great man, with so much pride in the Marine Corps. I have nothing but respect for you. It has been almost amonth now, and I still can't believe you are gone. Goodbye my friend.

To the Mendoza Familia, I'm sorry for your loss of one of our young heroes. I am from Lackland Air Force Base and I will be running on 24 Aug 08 in memory of your son. Please call me if you have any questions @ 671-3026 Wk 633-4690 Cell Plz call after 7:00 p.m. Thanks and God Bless You and your familia . . . 
v/r
Ernesto Reyes

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Mendoza and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Mendoza!

To the Mendoza family...I want to offer you my deepest condolences. I myself new Mat personally. As a soldier myself I know for a fact that he died with honors. Mat will be truley missed. May GOD bless you all!!!

SGT Adams-Ralph
US ARMY

I did not know Matthew personally but I did go to school with him. I was shocked to hear he was gone. He was a great person. I would always see him at school happy with a big smile and that is how I will always remember him. He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences go out to his family, wife, and son.

My deepest sympathies go out to the Mendoza family. May God comfort and bless you. Thank you, Matthew, for the heroic sacrifice you made. May you rest in the arms of Jesus now.

Mendoza Family,

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your son Sgt. M.Mendoza. My son Lcpl. Tommy Schneider is also with 2/7 Echo Co. 2nd plt. and is very heartbroken. May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. 
Proud Marine Mom
Patty Donnelly

To the Mendoza family,

I don't even know if you'll ever see this, but if you do your son was one of the best men I served with. I did both tours in Iraq with him and we always had a good time together. My heart sunk when I got the phone call. My condolences to all of you.

Matthew was a great guy. My heart goes out to his family and those who loved him. I have known him since middle school and it is so hard to believe that he is gone. He was like a big brother to me in highschool. We havent seen each other much since leaving school. But nontheless I will miss him.

Dear Mendoza family,

My husband and I would like to express our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. We know that this is the kind of loss families should not have to endure. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers, and hold your precious son in our hearts. We'd also like to express our gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by you and Matthew, who is a true American hero. Our son's girlfriend of seven years, found a quote from a famous American that gives her comfort. It says: "It's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years." -Abraham Lincoln.
I think this is true of all our fallen heroes. They truly knew how to make their lives count, and to make a positive difference in the world.

Sincerely,
Bill and Debbie Agnew
Parents of :
SSG Clinton T. Newman
321st Civil Affairs Bgde.
Ft. Sam Houston, TX
Afghanistan, KIA
13 Feb. 2006

I WANT TO THANK THE PARENTS OF MATT FOR ALL YOU DID TO HAVE THIS GREAT LEGACY OF YOUR SON BE APART OF ALL OUR LIFES. HE STILL LIVES IN ALL OF THOSE WHOM CHOOSE TO DO THE RIGHT THINGS NOT JUST FOR OURSELVES BUT FOR OTHERS AROUND US. IF ANYONE FEELS LIKE GIVING UP CAUSE OF THE VOID WE MIGHT FEEL CAUSE OF OUR GREAT LOSS OF MATT. THINK ABOUT WHAT WOULD MATT DO? HIS ACTIONS WHERE TO SERVE OTHERS AND BETTER OUR COMMUNITY ONE DAY AT A TIME. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE KEEP THE BIG HEARTEDNESS THAT MATT HAS AND CARRY ON HIS GREAT LEGACY OF TRUE LIFE. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID AND SAID TO MAKE A GREAT MAN OF GOD. 
 JESUS IS LORD, 
 SHARON

To the Mendoza family I do want offer you my deepest condolences. Your son was a GREAT man. He always made me smile and had the biggest heart. It has been an honor growing up with him. And I promise to tell Brooke our niece that her godfather and uncle was a HERO and loved her very much. Matthew will be missed. May God Bless You and your entire family.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

 Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
 Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
 That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
 God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

 It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

 God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

 There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me. 

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

To the Momma and family of Matthew, my deepest sympathy to you. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice, may God be with you.

A lot of broken smiles and broken hearts – none of this will quite make the sense we want it to. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Dear Mendoza Family,

My wife and I send our deepest sympathy to you. The young man we look upon as our son, Lcpl Byron Wylie, is serving in 2/7, Echo Co., 1st Plt in Afghanistan. We pray for all our guys every day.
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." President Reagan.

Respectfully,

John & Nancy Allison

Dear Matthew, Thank you for your brave sacrifice for the freedom of our country, you will never be forgotten. To the family of Matthew, may god bless you all. we do not know eachtoher but are now joined for life, on May 6 2008 my nephew Pfc Aaron J Ward also gave his life at the age of 19 for the freedom on our country while serving in Iraq. May god imbrace all our fallen hero's and protect the so many other's still fighting. rest in peace Matthew, AMERICA LOVE'S YOU!

mathew was so caring to my family.and i wish he saw how many people cared about him.i wish he was still alive

I was proud to serve this Great Nation of ours for 21 years in the US Air Force. I couldn't be more proud of the men and women who put it on the line ever single day for our freedom.

I had the pleasure of going to school with Matt and he was always a wonderful person he had a heart like you wouldn't believe. He is a true American Hero who will forever be in our hearts.

TO THE MENDOZA FAMILY, I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY CONDOLONSE IN THIS TIME OF LOSS. YOUR SON WAS A GREAT PEER TO KNOW AND FRIEND. YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES ARE IN MY PRAYER. (FRANCES PONCE AND FAMILY)

Thank you Matthew for your service. We share your pain as our son Pfc. Michael Robert Patton was also killed on 06/14/08. We will never forget you. God Bless!

"Greater Love Has No One Than This, That He Lay Down His Life For His Friends"
 John 15:13

I did not have the pleasure of meeting your son, but have a brother who serves in the USAF. I can't begin to imagine the pain you feel. But hope you find comfort in the memories your son has given you. May God be with you and your family in your time of need. 

Lisa Flores
Air Force Sister

To The Mendoza Family: I did not know your son, Matthew, but I know that his Grandfather loved and spoke of him many times. Armando is a good friend and fellow Vietnam Vet. I SALUTE MATTHEW for his choice to serve our great country. My God give you understanding and Grace in knowing that Metthew is in Heaven with God The Father. As a Vietnam Vet I am proud of your service to our country.
Chester Crump, SFC, Ret, US Army
Vietnam DUSTOFF 69,70,71.
"SO OTHERS MAY LIVE"

Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Liz and family, Our condolences to your family, we have your family in prayers. our daughter Angie was a friend of Matthew from High School, and she went to his wedding, she says she can still remember how happy he was that day , and that is how she will remember him. Your friends Chris and Maria Olivarri, daughters Miriam, Angie and Felisa Olivarri

“Lest I keep my complacent way, I must remember, somewhere out there a person died for me today. As long as there must be war, I ask and I must answer was I worth dying for?” Eleanor Roosevelt

May Heavenly Father bless you with peace and comfort and may you feel held in the prayers of a grateful nation.

In loving memory of our nephew
US Army Spec Philip Cody Ford
KIA Baghdad Iraq 12/10/2006

USN/AMEC Ron Baker and family

My condolences to you and your family. I cant not tell you how thankful I am that you have such a wonderful son that he has chosen to serve our country . God has given you a special gift and he is now retuning to his Heavenly Father. Be at peace knowing that your son will be with God and that he will be looking over you and your family. I too have a son with 2/7 and know the worries you have gone threw. May God bless you and your family.

Christine Martinez/ Kerrville, Texas 
Proud mother of US Marine
LCPL Thomas Martinez III 
2/7 Weapons Co. 81’s 
Currently in Afghanistan

My condolences to the Mendoza family. I knew Matthew in High School. He was a great friend & person. He was always there for his friends & family. I remember Matthew always being happy & trying to make people laugh. He had a great big heart for everyone. Matthew will be missed. My prayors are with family in this time of sorrow.

I am sending my condolences to the mendoza family my hart is with you Raul and Liz hope to see you soon Raul your friend from work lee

To The Mendoza Family, 
May Your Memories Bring You Comfort..Memory is a special place in our hearts where we can find comfort in the treasured thoughts of those we hold dear. May it help to know that others care deeply and are remembering you with special thoughts.

Our condolences to the Mendoza Family. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

In recognition of Sergeant Matthew Mendoza 's Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the Tri-Cities Tennessee, Detachment Number 969 of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.

SEMPER FIDELIS

Don Elseroad
Junior Vice Commandant 
MCL Detachment #969

My grand-nephew is in the same squad with E-2/7. I can't tell you how sad all of our family is. Our prayers are with your family and all of his fellow Marines.

Dear Mendoza Fanily,
 Mere words will not alleve the pain you are now experiencing. I know the hurt. I went through it myself in October 2005. On the 6th of that month, I lost my son, L/Cpl. Carl L. Raines II, to a roadside bomb near the city of Al Qaim. Three years have almost passed since that day. I still think of my son every day and miss him.
 The best advice I can offer is to remember the good times, those special moments that you shared. Remember the laughter, those things that were unique to Matthew alone. Those things have helped me more than anything else. A lot of people will try to comfort you. Accept their thoughts as good intended. There are times when you won't even feel like going out in public.You will be afraid someone will mention his death. Try to keep going forward, no matter how painful it may seem. I'm sure Matthew would have wanted you to do that.
 I was a member of 2/7 during Vietnam, 1968-1969. I salute you my brother Matthew. Semper Fi! Rest in Peace.

Mendoza Family, Our hearts are breaking for and with you. We have a Marine in our family, and we pray every day for the troops. Your son is a hero among the best and the bravest that this country has. GOD BLESS YOU as you get thru this one day at a time. Never forget that your Marine family is with you every step of the way. Semper Fi, Another Marine Family

Well, this was a complete shock to me finding out through a friend from Highschool who was closer to Matt then myself. I am sorry to hear about this and my prayers are with you Raul and Liz. I knew Matt throughout highchool at Highlands and he will be missed by many.

To the Mendoza family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Matthews' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten. 

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor 
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
Sgt. David M.Fisher 
KIA 12/1/04

Liz and Raul, Just a note to express my symapthy as well my deep sorrow for your loss, I know you both must be proud of your fine son. Matthew will be truely missed by all that knew him. Claude Jones

From one Marine Family to another, thank you Mendoza Family for your brave Hero. God Bless you and all your family. Semper Fi Matt..

My prayers are with your family and his fellow Marines. E-2/7 family member.

My prayers are with your family; with the lost of Sgt Matthew Mendoza. I do not know Sgt Mendoza, but my son is with 2/7. It breaks my heart when "we" have lost one of our Marines. Sgt Mendoza is truely a hero. Again my prayers are with his family.

Well I know you are in a better place brother.Love you and think you for letting me be your friend and brother in arms..Chris Pena

Mendoza Family,

Our hearts go out to you all at this time and in the days ahead. We thank Matt for giving the ultimate sacrifice and you all as a family for being so supporative of him. Family is very important for our soldiers. To Matt's son, your dad was a HERO. To Matt's wife, thank you for loving Matt. To Matt's parents, thank you for giving us such a brave young soldier.

I am so sorry for your loss, I was a friend of Matt's throughout highschool. He was always there for me when I needed him through out the years. He is very loved and will always remain in my heart.

To the family and parents of Matthew I want you to know that you are not alone in the grief you are feeling. I too know what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. You will have many questions as to why? You will have many things to get ready or go through and that should be done in time. Sometimes it just can’t be faced and that’s ok, for you will know when the time is right for you. There is no right or wrong way to grieve it’s an individual journey that unfortunately we now have to take. I ask that God give the comfort, strength and courage that you are going to need. When and if the time is right for you please contact me. You can cry, vent, or just talk as only another person who has been where you are can really know what you are going through. May God continue to be with you and heal you.

In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR

I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Sgt Matthew Mendoza. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear. 

 I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time. 
 
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
 GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!

Gale Poindexter
(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq) 
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXAX__FZYg4

Thank you Sgt. Mendoza for defending our country and fighting for freedom. I pray that God raises you up to Heaven. Semper Fi!

To The Mendoza Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of your family,my son is also a u.s. marine.Matthew was a courageous young man,and now he is in heaven still taking care of his family.
god bless all of you.
maria cadena(proud marine corp mom)

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am also prior service and am very greatfull that we have such great heros. God bless all our fallen soldiers and also all that are at war.

As a mother of a Soldier; I'm grieving with the family of Sgt. Matthew Mendoza. May they know that there are many, many people grieving with them and that care very deeply for them.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

To the parents of Matthew Elias Mendoza: Our prayers are with you and the Lord give you grace and strength to go on. We are very proud of our service man,and the sacrifice they have made for all of us. 
 God Bless

Mendoza Family, 
I could say that I feel your pain in losing a loved one in the military. I remember Matthew as a young man when you as a family first moved into the neighborhood. I always looked forward to going to my Aunt Tonie house on the weekend to chat with Matthew and Timmy. We would always meet at the corner of the fence to talk the night away. Of course, as the time went on we started growing up and I went my way and didn't visit that often. I'm proud to find out that Matthew turned into a good man with such courage and ambition. As I saw his picture I went into a backflash and reminded me of how hard it was to lose a very important person. Every soilder is special in what he or she does and Matthew is that person. Even though time was lost as we got older. It was a pleasure to share those moments as young teenagers. I am sorry for your lost but keep his spirit alive!!!

Raul & Liz, 
 Our heart is sadden by your lost, please know you and your family are in our prayers. Matthew was a great Marine and a wonderful son, he is now watching and wants you to smile when you think of him. 
 We are here always for you both 
 Mike & Laura Heath

We were so sorry to learn of Matthew's death. He is a brave American hero and we are so thankful for his dedicated service. Peace be with you all at this tragic time.

Loving Family of Matthew Mendoza: I did not know Matthew, but I was waiting for the funeral procession to pass on the southside this morning. It was so impressive to see the procession, and to think that so many people were showing their love and care for a very special young man. I whispered a prayer of thanksgiving to our Lord Almighty, for his life. It made me stop to think and pray for all the service men and women who lay down their lives for all Americans. I will never forget the sight I saw this morning, and I shall never forget the face of a very special young man who gave his life for me and my freedom. God Bless all of his family and friends. A grateful American, 
Martha Vasquez

Raul and Liz, I am so very sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your son. I cannot imagine the tremendous sorrow you must feel. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. Hugs and prayers Mona Keathley formally Cashion

'Tica', 
I am so sorry for your loss. I know there are no words in the world that can comfort you and bring peace of mind. You must be strong for yourself and for your family. There is always one in the family that is stronger than the rest, and that is you. At a time like this, you cannot lose faith in God. Just pray to God so that you can find peace and comfort. God bless you and and your family.

We will have your family in our prayers. May God give the family the strength & love during this difficult time.

My Deepest sympathies to the mendoza family.I can't begin to feel the pain and loss you are feeling at this moment,but with time comes healing

Dear Coach, Liz, &Tim,
We remember you all fondly. Memories last lifetimes. Our love, prayers,and sorrow accompany you. Your good parenting skills gave this nation a hero. God has a special plan for each of us. Our thoughts are with you. Comfort may come and go...memories are forever. We are all on a journey. May God guide you and bring you consolation. May God rest his soul and may His Perpetual Light Shine upon him.

I was so shocked to hear about Matt. I met Matthew in middle school. We didn't attend the same high school, but I still saw him around every so often. He was always friendly and said hi and tried to catch up a little. He was a great person and will be dearly missed. Deepest condolences go out to Matthew's family and friends. God Bless.

Matt had been a friend of mine since middle school, and i am deeply saddened to hear hes gone. May God Bless the Mendoza family during this time of grief.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

God's love and peace be with you, and may His grace embrace you in this painful time.

OBITUARY

Matthew Elias Mendoza

April 22, 1984 – June 20, 2008

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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