Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: USRanger on April 26, 2008, 03:55:23 PM
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In 2004, then-PFC Matt Maupin was captured in Iraq when his convoy was attacked. The insurgents put out a short video of him, then he was never heard from again. This story always was dear to me because we grew up not too far apart here in Ohio. Matt disappeared not long after I was wounded & returned from Iraq. I have visited & talked with his family quite a few times over these few years. I can't even imagine what it's like to have a loved one missing for years half a world away. I could only promise his family each time that we(the military) would NOT stop looking for him.
I am now glad to say that after an Iraqi tip, Matt's remains have been found and FINALLY brought home to his family. Thank you God. I hope his family finally gets some well deserved peace in their lives. There is going to be a public memorial service, but Matt's family has invited me to a private service for his family & friends. Though I did not know Matt in life, I'm glad his family considers me a friend.
Brother, you are home now. May you rest is peace.
There are many links on the web about this story. Here is just the first one I grabbed today.
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080330/NEWS01/303300031/-1/CINCI
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The soldier stood and faced his God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and
said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God,
"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
:salute Sgt Matt Maupin.....May you rest in peace now.
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It makes my blood boil knowing the insurgents executed an unarmed soldier. Yet our soldiers get years in prison (hard labor) for doing the same thing.
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There in lies the core difference between a civilized person and a terrorist.
May he rest in peace..... :salute
Gone but not forgotten.
Strip