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Mandy
13 years ago

I cant believe its been a year. I was just thinking about you and the last day we saw each other. I was still working at Outback. You had came in to invite people to a party. I think it may have been your coming home party. I was pregnant with my first child. I will never forget what you said...." She will be as beautiful as her mom". I miss you Matt and you are still thought about everyday

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Mom - Sissy
13 years ago

Another difficult weekend. Today, around 1 p.m. was the last time we saw each other. Me and Mamaw came to see you at Ft. Stewart for Memorial Day. We actually came for just 2 days & 1 night. We had fun the night before - going into Savannah from Hinesville to grab a bite to eat. We had fun - and you were such a trooper walking around with us even with your boot on your foot. Then the next morning we met and went to your favorite place to eat off post - China Wok! Evidently, you loved that place as when I got your bank statements after you were gone there were many charges to China Wok! You weren't kidding me when you told me how much you loved that place. Aaron also told me about how much you would eat there. Anyway, we enjoyed each others company, talked about your plans for the future, talked about your sister's pregnancy, talked - talked - talked. After you were done, we took you back to your barracks and you gave us a "Grand Tour" of your barracks and room. I remember looking at your comforter set you purchased for your twin bed and thought due to the style you picked out - That's my boy! You see, I said that to myself as you had picked out a masculine very classy set and if I had gone shopping for you without you around that I would have picked that one out for you. I was impressed with your room and I was doubly impressed that you got a "coin" from your superiors for passing inspection with flying colors! You made me proud as a little boy, you made me proud with some things you did as a young man, and you made me so very proud with your resolve to get your weight down to join the military. I'm rambling again.....and you would tell me, "Come on Mom, get to the point!". After our tour of your barracks, you walked us to the car, gave me and Mamaw one of your bone crushing hugs, and walked back to your barracks building. I remember as me and Mamaw were driving away - I honked the car to get your attention - you turned to look - and we waved to each other. I didn't know that would be our last interaction - last visit - or I would have never left when I did. Life is fleeting - this I know as I don't have you anymore. I DO HAVE YOU IN MY HEART AND MIND WITH SO MANY MEMORIES! For that, I wouldn't trade a thing for as I feel like the luckiest Mom to have had you for a son! I love you, Matt - always and forever! One day, I'll see you again....

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Mom - Sissy
13 years ago

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Mom - Sissy
13 years ago

Revisited your memory page last night and today. Looked at the pictures flash by & remembered every moment of each picture. Like the one of you as a baby at your first birthday with your hands stuck in your cake, the one of you on the couch holding your brother the first time - the joy you had on your face -, your graduation, your sister's wedding....... I know you left good impressions with many people as I've heard stories. It's getting close to a year now since you've left us. I miss you Matt - every day. I love you.

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Mom
13 years ago

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Mom
13 years ago

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Mom
13 years ago

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Mom
13 years ago

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Mom
13 years ago

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Mom
13 years ago

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Anonymous
13 years ago

Thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, with which I'll never part. God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart.

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Jennifer
14 years ago

Askim, I remember this time last year we had a conversation about Valentine's Day...and at the end I said, "I just better have first dibs, Mr. Ward!" which made you laugh. You will never be forgotten.

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Jennifer
14 years ago

Today is veterans day...I thought it was only appropriate to take time out and say thank-you for your services in the United States Army. I still think about ya everyday and will never forget you. Remember our Turkish saying? Aşkım, kalbim seninle olacak ... sonsuza kadar....~Sigh~ I miss ya...but I am glad you are happy.

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Carrie
14 years ago

I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I did not know him, but believe me, my heartfelt thanks goes out to him for serving his country and fighting for freedom for us here at home and abroad. Thank you also, and may peace find you soon....

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Jennifer
14 years ago

haha I took a look at your pictures again today....it reminded of a conversation we had...well...several conversations about the topic...hahahahaha you still have a way to make me laugh....

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Jimmy G.
14 years ago

I am pleased to announce to everyone that Sissy is now a Grandmother. Matts sister Melissa gave birth to a healthy baby girl. I just wanted everyone to know.

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Kevin Matson
14 years ago

Matt, I am so proud to know that I had a friend serving in the army so that I could enjoy my freedoms with my family and friends at home. It has been at least three years since I have seen you. My favorite memories are getting into trouble with you, Andrew and Melissa. I think my favorite of all my memories are you and I sneaking snack food and hiding it from your mom - especially ice cream! I have four children of my own now. It gives me peace to know that I have one more angel watching over me and my family. Please keep special watch over my youngest son Tyler. He thinks he can fly and already has had to have stitches at 18 months old. We will miss you greatly during this time we are apart, but we will see you soon! Love to you and your family - Kevin, Edie, Molly, Johnny, Ansley & Tyler.

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Jennifer
14 years ago

I know your mom said to not get any flowers because flowers die...but when I went to see you...everybody else had flowers and it just seemed unfair that you didn't...Sissy...If you are reading this...I'm sorry...I didn't mean any disrespect....Flowers may die...but out love for him will never die. Webster's dictionary will never be able to define what I am feeling....Matty, You always had a way to make me look at life differently and place a smile on my face...And you still do. Your mom is the coolest...but I know you already knew that.

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Mom - Sissy
14 years ago

Hello to All who still visit Matt's website.... I had hoped more people would reveal themselves to me and show me how Matt affected their lives. I still visit this website at least 2 or 3 times a week. Please, if you knew my Matt put something on this site! Thank you, Matt's Mom

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Jennifer
14 years ago

I know I'm not the only one that feels this way...but I think about you everyday like I always have. I remember you were at your old house and hit your head on the bell. I couldn't help but to laugh...and since I did laugh...you hit your head again...but this time on purpose just to make me laugh again. I know I have told you this a lot...but I'm still going to miss you like a bee misses making honey. You have an awesome family and I can see now that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

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Jennifer
14 years ago

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Jennifer
14 years ago

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I worked with Matt for many years at Outback and was very good friends with Melissa! My favorite memory of Matt was when he told me that he was going to join the Army and he asked me what I thought that he should do. My brother-in-law had recently joined and I told Matt that the best thing that he could do for himself was to RUN! I told him to run as much as he could and to eat as many fruits and vegetables as he could! I couldn't believe how fast that little booger :) got into shape! I was SO proud of him for losing weight and getting into shape! I wish i could have made it to the funeral. I live about 3 hours away now and I did not have a babysitter for my kids! I think that I will miss Matt's smile the most! He lit up a room! To Matt's Mom and Dad and the rest of his family...you did an AMAZING job raising a wonderful young man! I am proud to call him my friend and will always remember him for being a wonderful person with a heart of gold! God bless Matt and his family! I will remember him ALWAYS!!!

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Aaron Skiles
14 years ago

I don't know that I'll ever truly find the words to describe how great a person Matt was, he was a great friend and a great soldier, he taught me a great deal about how to be a leader, and for that I am most grateful. I now understand how Matt came to be the man he was, he has a great family who I'm privileged to know, and being with you all has really meant a lot to me.

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Mom - Sissy
14 years ago

Hi Aaron, Thank you for sharing Matt's life with me the past weekend. You MUST keep in touch with us as you are now a member of our family too. Thank you for taking care of my Matt in Iraq. Much love to you, Matt's Mom

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Chris Ward
14 years ago

Matt was a great cousin. He was looked up to for all that he did. I always looked forward to seeing him when he came up to NH to visit. He always had some great stories to share, and had a way of lighting up the room with his smile. He was one of the happiest people I have ever met. Matt will be truly missed but will never be forgotten. Thank you for all the great memories. We all love and miss you. Love, Chris “Life gives us brief moments with one another, but sometimes in those brief moments we get memories that last a life time. You will look back on the times you laughed and you will cry. You will look back on the times you cried, and you will laugh. You will always remember close friends, and you will always keep memories of them in your heart. Persevere through the difficult times and surly better times will come."

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Nick Celenza
14 years ago

I knew Matt from WoW as well, and he was always one of my favorite people in our guild. He was very funny, helpful to anyone who needed it, and an all around good person. Everyday I'd log in to our vent (how we talk to eachother online) and I'd be greeted by him first. We always joked around a lot, and I will really miss him. Nick aka Veyronn

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Ryan Jarchow
14 years ago

Being friends with Matt has changed my life more then anyone could know and I will miss him greatly, but I will also remember him. I remember one of the first times I hung out with Matt at his home and we discovered that we both liked video games a lot. It was the first time I played counter strike as well as the first of many "skinny" jokes to come. My brother and I stayed over there on a school night till past midnight and didn't even realize until our mom was calling wondering where we were and how long she should ground me for :) But looking back at all the times I was around Matt and his friends which became my friends as well (as we all seem to have the same personality) I realize that those were the best times of my life. I don't think anyone who ever got to know Matt didn't like him. He was always funny and ready to make even the worst day into the best. I will miss Matt. A true friend like no other.

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Mom - Sissy
14 years ago

Oh Ryan, What can I say? I am very happy you two were friends and very happy your friendship continued past high school. He is going to be missed! Keep coming over to the house - you're our friend too! Matt's Mom

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We have known Matt since he was a little boy and our son became friends with him and his brother Andrew. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow up into such a fine young man so full of life and promise and we will cherish our memories of the fun times he shared with us. Susan Shockley My fondest memory of Matt was when he was just a young boy. It was Halloween. Matt and Andrew were going trick or treating with my boys around Lake Ranch Subdivision . Somehow we got split up and Matt and I ended up together. That night I found out what a wonderful kid he was. He talked my head off and we had a ball. In this day and age when so many of our younger generation has forgotten the meaning of the word "respect", Matt was one of the most respectful children I have ever met and he grew into a fine young man. You did a great job MeLori. Henry Shockley

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Mom - Sissy
14 years ago

Hi Susan & Henry, Thank you. I know you've both seen him grow and loved him as I did. I feel your love. Thank you. "MeLori" Matt's Mom!

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SPC Hall, Ross
14 years ago

I remember our junior year at Chestatee High School, Coach Pless gave us an assignment to create a business. It was Matt, Jesus Vargas and myself. Our business was called RJW Sporting Goods. I remember it because Matt was coming up with ideas that no one else could even begin to imagine, some of the funniest stuff I have ever heard he came up with. I always respected his character. If he was right about something then he would stand up for it. He would always make me laugh no matter what kind of mood I was in. He was always a good person to be around. It is hard for me as a soldier to hear that another soldier passed away, but its even harder to hear it when you knew that soldier for a long time. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Ward Family. Matt will be missed. SPC Hall, Ross A Co. 532nd MI BN Seoul, South Korea

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Jimmy G.
14 years ago

I first met Matt in 1995. His cousin "uncle jimmy" told me he could not wait for me to meet these kids of Sissys. Right away Matt stood out. He was one of the most well manered teenagers I had ever met. You could tell He was geniunely respectful, incredibly intelligent, and hilarious. As the years passed he grew into one of the finest young men I have ever met.

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Nathan Campbell
14 years ago

I know Matt from work. He was one of my first soldiers and because of that it's all the more painful. He was always crackin jokes and making people laugh. He had a light to him that is hard to say in words. I remember him telling me when I lived in the barracks that I could come over and play gemes in his room. I went over there for weeks and just laughed a lot. He was a very fun loving guy that really cared about everyone around him. As you can see from the previous comments he not only touched the people he met face to face, but also people from all over the world. I know he is somewhere better, but we all wish he was back with us. You will be dearly missed. God Bless You. SGT Nathan Campbell

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Mom - Sissy
14 years ago

Hi Nate, Thank you. I'll miss him dearly but you're right he is somewhere better. Thank you for being such a good friend to him. Matt's Mom

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Abbie Bragg
14 years ago

I also have a fond memory of the care package we put together for Matt. I had gone to Wal-Mart and gotten all of these little toiletries and "travel" sized everything. He said he had gotten the biggest kick out of the "travel" sized toilet paper I sent to him, along with everything else. I also remember getting him all of these fun little snack foods he liked. He was such a gentleman and was so grateful to everyone for it. He was a most definate amazing man. Everytime his name was mentioned around Sissy his mom, she would just beam and grin from ear to ear with the love and pride she felt for him. Matt, you will be missed by all that you touched! You were taken much too soon and way before your time!

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Stefanie
14 years ago

I have a found memory of Mr. Matt when he came by to see his mom for before lunch. He came in to the office with is military uniform on, Sissy was beaming and so proud of her son at that moment. He looked so handsome and so grown up. We were all so proud to have him fight for our freedom! Something else I had forgotten about until Sissy brought this to my attention, we had made a care package for Matt while in Iraq for Christmas. All of us in the office sent a bit of everything here from the states. I had made a Santa hat for Matt, that was something he got a great kick out of and something to remind him of the good family times. Your flame will always be burning Matt, the memories that everyone has of you will always keep you here with us. My prayers go out to all of you.

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Julia Thrasher
14 years ago

I worked with Matt at Outback back in the day. I've always had a problem with eating while someone is looking at me. It just bugs me and I can't eat. Matt was convinced that it was just in my head and anytime I was eating at work, he would go different places in the restaurant and stare at me to see if I would notice. Every time, I would just know. I would look up and there he was, across the restaurant, going "How do you do that???" I also remember what he said he was going to do on his 21st birthday: "Well Julia, I'm going to have a glass of milk..yeah. A BIG glass of milk." :) That was the way I will always remember him..the guy that tried to ruin my dinner and one of the funniest and sweetest guys i ever knew.

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Rob Tharp
14 years ago

I know Matt as Carcius my fellow GM in a silly game,however that silly game brought Matt into mine and many others lives.When I recieved the news I didnt believe it because he was too good a person to be taken so soon , however it was confirmed true today. My words cannot convey my sadness or the loss i feel. To his parents I am sorry for your loss. your son was a great and honerable man and friend, he will be missed by apex and the wow community as well as all the people he touched in his daily life. I feel like i knew him forever and cannot grasp that i wont get to talk with him anymore. Rob Tharp aka Term Apex GM (we wont be the same without you Carcius) Also if someone can post the info where to send flowers or other items that may help the family in their time of need it would be greatly appreciated

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Mom - Sissy
14 years ago

Hi Rob, I don't mean to be disrespectful of you but I don't want to put my address online. I have been reading everyone's comments and it makes my heart proud to know how Matt touched so many people. Please understand. Matt's Mom

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Bennett
14 years ago

I only knew Matt from several months playing WoW, I would always try to get in whatever run he was in because I just had fun no matter what was up. You know a man has a great personality when you think you have known him for years, when in fact your time spent has been so little.

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christinalicciardi
14 years ago

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christinalicciardi
14 years ago

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christinalicciardi
14 years ago

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christinalicciardi
14 years ago

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christinalicciardi
14 years ago

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christinalicciardi
14 years ago

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christinalicciardi
14 years ago

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christinalicciardi
14 years ago

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christinalicciardi
14 years ago

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14 years ago

Heard the news today. I'm packing my stuff now. Be in Georgia tomorrow evening. I was in total shock when Erik called me today. I think I will try and move back up there for a while. I remember that time you punched me in the nose in 1st grade when I stole your ball, or the time in 3rd grade when we'd get in so much trouble for talking in class, and Mrs. Henderson mould make us sit in the corner away from each. I remember everything all the way up to Halo parties we had in your mom's basement. Last time I saw you was at Outback when you told me you were leaving for the Army. I still have that picture of when you and Thomas nearly got in that fight because Aaron told you to throw that water balloon at the senior picnic last week of school and he flipped out. The laughs we had... It's strange, I was thinking about you today before I found out... I'll miss you bro.

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14 years ago

I just found out about Matt but still don't know how he died. I wish someone would let me know. My family loved Matt and our hearts are broken to hear the news.

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Mom - Sissy
14 years ago

Hi Judy, I don't know the details yet from the autopsy. I don't want to post my phone number here. Are you in the phone book? If so, I'll call you and we can talk. Matt's Mom

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14 years ago

We moved to Florida. Email me at jhschofield@yahoo.com

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Hope Geist
14 years ago

I have known Lori, Scott, Melissa, Matt, and ol "Gumby" for many years now. Our families were close friends. My favorite memory of Matt was when we were younger. Lori would take all of us kids for a ride and whenever we would go across railroad tracks she would make us all yell "RAILROAD TRACKS!!". Matt always had to be the loudest and had to say it the goofiest!! His smile I remember the most...no matter what..he always had that big cheesy smile on his face! The Geist Family is very proud of him and he will be missed and will always be in our hearts!! Hope Geist

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Mom - Sissy
14 years ago

Hi Hope, You were very respected by Matt - he thought you were "cool" the way you played basketball with your brothers outside when we would visit you in NC. Much Love, Lori

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I knew matt for a short time in the game he loved playing "wow"but in that time he was always so friendly and funny and always willing to help.My prayers go out to all his family and friends.

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Diego Vidal
14 years ago

I like many people here, know Matt not in person, but In Wow. He was an extremely caring person who would help you no matter what the issue was and would always care about each person he knew. He was an excellent person, friend, and overall human being. I salute him for his service to this country and for all the assistance he has given me. You will be dearly missed by all of us, Matt. Diego, A.K.A, Keyasta

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