SSgt Matt Maupin is home, and there is now a way to show his parents that their son’s sacrifice will never be forgotten… Beloved son of Carolyn and Keith, Matt was MIA in Iraq. On March 30th 2008, the official US Army site had this:
Mar 31, 2008
The U.S. Army confirmed positive identification of remains found last week in Iraq as belonging to Army Staff Sgt. Keith “Matt” Maupin. The March 31, 2008, announcement culminates a near four-year search for the 724th Transportation Company Army Reserve Soldier. “After a long wait, we want to offer our most sincere condolences to Carolyn and Keith Maupin on the loss of their son,” said Army Secretary Pete Geren…
Then Private 1st Class Maupin, had been missing for more than three years and 11 months, after his fuel convoy came under enemy attack in Iraq. The Batavia, Ohio, native was promoted three times while missing in action since April 9, 2004, as his family awaited news on Staff Sgt. Maupin’s status. Army casualty assistance officers flew to Ohio March 30 to personally notify his parents, Carolyn and Keith Maupin.
Condolence book for the Maupin family needs your help.
“One of the elements of the Army’s Soldiers Creed is that I will never leave a fallen comrade,” affirmed Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey. “We take those words very seriously, for our Soldiers, their Families and this Nation. We will never leave a fallen comrade. I want to thank the many Soldiers who’ve searched and continue to search for these men. Your tireless efforts are one of the most important and unrelenting responsibilities we share.” [link: Army News ]
In a local story, Matt’s parents had this to say:
“My heart sinks, but I know they can’t hurt him anymore,” Keith Maupin said… “It hurts, it hurts,” Carolyn Maupin said outside the Yellow Ribbon Support Center in Union Township. “After you go through almost four years of hope, and then this is what happens, it’s like a let down,” Maupin [link: WCPO9 ]
There have been many stories about the family; their strength, their courage. Yes, they now know that their son is home, but the hole in their family will always be pain for them.
A condolence book is being put together for the Maupins, so that even as the years go by, they will KNOW that America remembers and stands with them in honouring this brave American son.
http://www.myspace.com/celebrating_heroes
This is a website that Emily and Terri are putting together. As Emily says:
“I have the honor and privilege of putting together the condolence book along with my very good friend Terri. We will be assembling the book and then delivering it to the Maupin family.”
Time is short for your contribution. Emily and Terri plan to combine all the messages they get, to present to the Maupins on April 24, 2008.
Can you help, please? Let’s show this family we stand with them.
Send your messages to:
celebrating.heroes@gmail.com or
temo925@yahoo.com
