Remembering SFC Matthew Blaskowski - KIA COP Vegas, Afghanistan on September 23, 2007

 

Today is the five year anniversary of the death of SFC Matthew D. Blaskowski who was killed in action at Firebase Vegas in eastern Afghanistan.  Not one day has gone by that I (along with MANY others) haven't thought about and deeply missed Matt aka Sergeant Ski.

I've written many times about Matt.  Today I'd like to remember Matt by sharing an excerpt from a prior blog post, photos and links to some of the many stories written about him.  Most of all I'm sending my love to his widow, Daniela, his parents, Terry and Cheryl, his brother and sister in law, Stan and Becky and to those who served with him as well as the legion of extended family and friends whose lives he touched in such a deep and positive way.

We miss you so much, Matt. 

Matt's Memorial Service in Afghanistan

Matt's final ride home from the airport

Rest in Peace, Matt

The Fallen Heroes Memorial Foundation erected a Memorial in Matt's hometown of Cheboygan, Michigan.  Their story about the dedication of the monument is here

Cheryl and Terry Blaskowski with the motorcycle they had custom painted for Matt.  They were going to give it to him after OEF VIII deployment.  The name of the bike is "War Torn".  Matt's parents gave the bike to their son, Stan, who rides it in honor of  his brother.

Keith Youngs of Youngs Woodcarving carved a beautiful memorial to Matt which sits next to his parent's business in Cheboygan, MI.  Story here and additional story here

From the first post I ever wrote about Matt:

"In an email he wrote to me on 8 August 2007 Matt said, “Sorry I have not been able to send you a thank you. I came to a base with internet for a few days and then back out to the firebase I will go. Thank you so much for all of the packages. The soldiers and I appreciate everything greatly. Everything you send is perfect nothing goes to waste. I will try and write once a month and give you an update on our conditions here. We recently got a generator out there so we have power for a few hours everyday. We get mail about twice a month by air. It's like Christmas every time and most of the packages by far are from you. The name of my platoon's base is called Firebase Vegas. We are slowly but surely making it better. I have a lot of pictures of the Soldiers that I will try and send to you next time I get to the internet. Thank you again for all of your packages. Also thank the people that are in contact with you who also send us things. The Soldiers and I appreciate everything you do for us and we try to write a letter at least every time we get mail, but we only get to send out mail when someone carries all the letters out to mail them and that does not happen very often. Thanks again for all of your support.”

I emailed a response to Matt that it was our honor to provide support to him and his men. I told him that we believe it is our job (an easy one) to provide support because they are doing the difficult job by fighting those who would rather see this nation in chaos and ruin. I told him we knew they were making great progress and to keep up the good fight but to stay safe. Then I told him more boxes were on the way and reminded him of how grateful we were for him and his men. That was my last correspondence with Matt. It has been a long time since I have been as sad as I was when I received the email from the HHC at Camp Blessing telling me of Matt’s death. Even though I had never met him I knew from the correspondence I had with members of the 173^rd as well as from reading accounts of his service on the internet that he was a special human being.

 

Our prayers along with our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to Matt’s wife, parents, brother, extended family and friends and to his comrades left behind. There is no way to adequately express our thoughts at this time. If one takes the time to read about SFC Blaskowski on the internet one finds story after story about the man he was. He lived his 27 years as a shining example of what humanity should be. It is apparent that Matt touched the lives of anyone who met and knew him in any capacity. He was the best of the best. He lived a selfless life in many ways – one of which was his choice to serve this nation as a member of the United States Army – to defend our freedom and continue to ensure our safety and security. Matt gave his all for us. This nation owes more to SFC Matthew Blaskowski than we could ever give. May his family know that we grieve with them in this time of sadness and loss and that we are thankful for the man he was. May they find comfort in remembering all that Matt was, all that he did and all that he gave throughout his life.

 

Rest in peace Matt. Our prayers are with you. I know the gates of heaven were standing wide open when you passed through and the angels were there to meet you."

 

Links to stories about Matt:

UpNorthLove dot com (local Michigan newpaper)

Blackfive Someone You Should Know Part 1 (photos and pictures from OEF VI as well as video of Matt in his hospital bed at Landstuhl hospital)

Blackfive Someone You Should Know Part 2 (great stories and photos)

 

 

We love you and miss you, Matt.  We will NEVER EVER forget you and the amazing man you were.  Sending extra love to your family and battle buddies today.

Remembering SFC Matthew Blaskowski - KIA Firebase Vegas 23 September 2007

Four years.  Four very long years.  It really doesn't seem like it has been that long.

SFC Matthew Blaskowski was killed at Firebase Vegas in Kunar Province, Afghanistan by a lone sniper's bullet on 23 September 2007.  Matt's death has left a huge hole in so many hearts.  His widow, Daniela; his parents, Terry & Cheryl; his brother Stan and his wife Becky and their two children, Keegan and Haley, as well as legions of friends and Army buddies from around the globe.

As part of the Memorial Day remembrance events this year (2011) the town of Cheboygan, Michigan dedicated a Memorial Monument to all of the fallen in the Wars on Terror from their city.  I was honored to be at the dedication with the Blaskowski family, some of Matt's former battle buddies, many family friends and a host of citizens.

Matt's parents, brother, sister in law and their children and battle buddies at the Memorial

The base of the Memorial.  To date Matt's name is the only one inscribed.  One too many but, hopefully, the last one to be added.

Rest in Peace Matt.  You are missed as much today as you ever have been but we also continue to remember your smile, your wit, your laugh, your love of hunting, your compassion for mankind and your zest for life.  A true American Hero taken from us way too soon but whose memory will live forever.

Matt was laid to rest near his boyhood home in Levering, Michigan on 4 October 2007.

I rarely drink alone but tonight I raise a glass to Matt.  CHEERS!

I wrote this in tribute to Matt last year.

Matt Burden of Blackfive wrote about SFC Blaskowski here, here and here in his "Someone You Should Know" series.

Memorial Day Events Tied to Our ROCK Paratroopers

As Memorial Day approaches I know of many events tied directly to the 173rd, 2-503rd.  I wish I could attend them all.  Since I cannot I want to at least mention them all here.  I hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend but please remember, this is a time to remember all of those who have given their lives on behalf of this great nation.

Beats for a Bench Veterans Memorial Benefit will be held on Saturday, May 21, from 4pm – 11pm at the Expo Center in Long Beach, 4321 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach CA. 

This is a memorial fundraiser being hosted for Sergeant Israel Garcia, who was killed in the battle of Wanat in Afghanistan in 2008. To acknowledge his sacrifice and accomplishments “Beats for a Bench,” will raise money for a memorial bench to honor Sgt Israel Garcia at his High School, Long Beach Poly. Additional funds raised at the event will support the Long Beach City College Veterans Group to create an on-campus memorial to honor veterans, and to US Vets towards helping them accomplish their goal of  "The suc­cess­ful tran­si­tion of mil­i­tary vet­er­ans and their fam­i­lies through the pro­vi­sion of hous­ing, coun­sel­ing, career devel­op­ment and com­pre­hen­sive support."

While it's not a Memorial Day event, Defenders of Freedom is hosting Tee It Up Fore The Troops at the Dallas Cowboy's Golf Course on Monday May 23rd.  Several former ROCK Paratroopers as well as men from 4-4, 3-61 CAV who survived the battle of COP Keating will be attending this incredible event along with many more Wounded Warriors and Veterans.  I am grateful to Donna Cranston and her organization for including them this year.

The field is full but there are still ways to support this incredible event.  More information can be found here.

On Tuesday May 24th family, colleagues and friends will gather in New York City to celebrate the life of Tim Hetherington.  Many ROCK Paratroopers will be in attendance at Tim's celebration of life.

Tim Hetherington - taken at OP Restrepo

On Saturday May 28th two events will take place to honor fallen members of the 173rd, 2-503rd from OEF VIII. 

CPL Jason Hovater, who died in the battle of Wanat, Afghanistan on 13 July 2008 will posthumously be presented the Silver Star for his actions that day.  CPL Hovater had been awarded the BSMV.  It is more than fitting that the award has been upgraded to the Silver Star.  The event will take place at the World's Fair Park in Knoxville, TN at 10:00 AM.  I know that many of The Chosen Few and their families will be in attendance.  You can read CPL Hovater's Silver Star Citation here.

Also on May 28th a War Memorial will be dedicated at Washington Park, Cheboygan, MI from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM.   This Memorial is for all those who have and continue to serve in the War on Terror, OIF & OEF as well as for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. SFC Matthew Blaskowski's name will be etched on the monument. SFC Blaskowski died as a result of a sniper's bullet during a firefight while serving at Firebase Vegas, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on 23 September 2007.  At the time of his death SFC Blaskowski was serving with the 173rd, 2-503rd Battle Company.

SFC Matthew Blaskowski

From Saturday May 28th through Monday May 30th many of the Battle Company ROCK Paratroopers will gather near Madison, WI to remember SGT Josh Brennan.  Josh died on 26 October 2007 as a result of  multiple wounds from an ambush in Afghanistan on 25 October 2007. 

SGT Joshua Brennan

While this coming Memorial Day weekend is a time set aside for us, as a nation, to remember all of our fallen heroes it is also a very difficult time for the widows, the families of the fallen and all of their friends.  Please keep them all in your prayers.

Remembering SFC Matthew Blaskowski, KIA 23 September 2007, Firebase Vegas, Kunar Province, Afghanistan

23 September 2010

Dear Matt,

It doesn't seem possible that it has been three years, tomorrow, since I woke up and found this email:

Leta,

It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that our friend, Matt Blaskowski was killed yesterday during an attack on Firebase Vegas. I truly wish I could have called you with this news, but as you know, communication here is difficult at best.

XXXXXXXXXX

Every time I think of you those words resonate in my mind and I always wish I could make them go away and that you were still here.  You are thought of and missed by so many every day.

Your mom and dad are doing well. Some days are still difficult to get through. Matt they continue to honor your life and service, as well as those of all of the fallen, in so many ways. They inspire and comfort so many including me. Sometimes when your mom and I talk about you we both get emotional. I try to be strong for her but it's always your mom being there for me. I hope that one day I'll be that strong one. She's amazing Matt. SO strong. So very strong.  There's a little political commotion going on in your hometown over a memorial for the fallen from Afghanistan and Iraq.  Lord help those who are trying to stand in the way.  It's already been approved and everything but now someone has questioned where it is slotted to be built.  I sure as heck wouldn't want to be in your parents "line of fire" over that one.  I've no doubts they'll prevail and it will be built where it should be - right there in the middle of town.

Your mom and dad still hear from a lot of your battle buddies and that means so much to them. I hope they, your battle buddies, never stop calling, visiting and emailing them. You keep watch over that will ya? Send down a big Ranger kick in the ass if they slack off. OK?

Stan and Becky are doing fine. I don't really talk to them much but your mom and dad keep me up to date on them, Keegan and Haley. Ha ha ha. Keegan and Haley really keep everyone on their toes. They are growing up so fast and are SO darn cute. Keegan's quite the pumpkin shooter and Haley is a little fashion diva. They bring such joy to your mom and dad.

Stan and your dad road their bikes down to Fort Benning in late May/early June for the 173rd Memorial dedication. Yes, Stan was on your bike, WAR TORN. It's his now. I'm really glad they spent that time together on the road. The bike was quite a hit at Benning. Your dad, mom and Stan are so proud of the amazing job the artist did on it. Every now and then Stan posts on facebook that he took it out for a ride. Man how I wish you were here to ride along with him. He misses you Matt. We keep telling him to talk to you - that you are listening and for him to listen back. I hope he does.

Daniela flew over from Italy for the 173rd Memorial dedication she is as beautiful as ever inside and out. It was so good to see her and it was an absolute joy to spend time with her.

Well, I'm gonna go now. But before I do I have one favor to ask. Would you just reach down with those angel arms of yours and hold your mom, dad, Stan, Becky and Daniela really really tight for a minute? I know it's a long reach but try.

We love you and miss you. Always.