http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php Copyright 2012, Patuxent River Assembly of God Patuxent River Assembly of God en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.8 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry070128-180916 Roads VA NROTC decided to create a scholarship for the children of soldiers who loose their lives in the fight against Global Terrorism. The scholarship is the Wallace Patriot Fund.
Matt's sister, Abby, is part of the NROTC in VA, which is how the connection got made between VA and MD. The scholarship will provide an education at Old Dominion University in VA, of which Matt's parents are both alumni, and Abby is a student of now. A further description of the creation of the scholarship and details will be posted on the new web site (see below) soon.

Donations are needed now in order to get enough of a financial base for this to grow to a size that will truly benefit students.

Matt's home church, the Patuxent River Assembly of God, is currently willing to process all donations and forward them to the NROTC account. Please mark you donation for the Wallace Patriot Fund and send to:
PRAG
P.O. Box 828
California, MD 20619
301-862-9200.

PLEASE NOTE NEW WEBSITE INFORMATION: By mid-February 2007, new information will be posted at www.CplMatthewWallace.com Please update your information as this current page will go inactive soon.
PRAG has been very gracious to allow us to link off their site, but with the scholarship it appeared necessary to give this a full domain of it's own. ]]> http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry070128-180916 Patuxent River Assembly of God Sun, 28 Jan 2007 23:09:16 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=07&m=01&entry=entry070128-180916 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry061114-154650 Ranger Joe's online store. The specific item you can order is the customized KIA bracelet. You'll need to specify the 4th ID logo and two lines of text. The following were entered on the original order: "CPL MATTHEW P WALLACE" and "4TH ID JULY 21, 2006 BAGHDAD". Cost is sixty dollars for five bracelets.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry061114-154650 Patuxent River Assembly of God Tue, 14 Nov 2006 20:46:50 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061114-154650 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry061103-185629 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry061103-185629 Patuxent River Assembly of God Fri, 03 Nov 2006 23:56:29 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061103-185629 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry061005-133742 The memorial bracelet prototype has been received! Click on the thumbnail for a full-size image. They are quite handsome, made of solid aluminum, painted satin black, with "CPL MATTHEW P WALLACE / 4TH ID JULY 21, 2006 BAGHDAD" and a 4th ID logo and American flag engraved into the metal. ]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry061005-133742 Patuxent River Assembly of God Thu, 05 Oct 2006 17:37:42 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=10&entry=entry061005-133742 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry061005-124111
County Commisioner President Thomas McKay recalled the profound impact he received at the Wallace Memorial Service, "The testimony of their faith in God and devotion to their country was one of those most moving events I've ever attended."

This occasion was a celebration welcoming home the 243rd, they have every reason to be congratulated. They have enough sorrow with the loss of their own soldiers. The fact that they chose to include Wallace and Faulstich was a generous and kind gesture on their part. Knowing these beloved men continue to be remembered is one of the sweetest gifts their families can receive. The ongoing care expressed by our local community is deeply appreciated. ]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry061005-124111 Patuxent River Assembly of God Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:41:11 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=10&entry=entry061005-124111 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060824-083234 The order of Memorial Bracelets for Matt will begin in the next 3-4 weeks. More information to follow. Keep checking in for details.
]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060824-083234 Patuxent River Assembly of God Thu, 24 Aug 2006 12:32:34 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=08&entry=entry060824-083234 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060810-090831 Due to the large response to the Memorial Bracelet idea, one of the men in our community has offered to take this project on. He has ordered a prototype braclet, but it takes a few weeks because of the individualized detailing. The Wallace family will receive this for review. Once we know the bracelet is correct, we will post ordering directions on this site. It will probably be sometime in September before it's all straight, so please be patient and check back with this site. Thank you to all for your desire to keep Matt's memory close at heart.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060810-090831 Patuxent River Assembly of God Thu, 10 Aug 2006 13:08:31 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=08&entry=entry060810-090831 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060809-152329 From a letter to the Enterprise from the Wallaces:

He has become your son, too, and you have treated him and us as such

Being forced into tragic circumstances gives us a fresh perspective on life. Things we once valued no longer hold the same value. Insignificant things become significant, and what we once thought important no longer holds such importance. Those who have walked in such places immediately have a kinship with others who are walking there. They do not need to explain; they merely look at one another with mutual respect and admiration for their common experience. It is this context from which principles of life and conduct during troubled times are born.

‘‘I am an American Soldier. I will always place the mission first; I will never accept defeat; I will never quit; I will never leave a fallen comrade.” This is the U.S. Army’s Warrior Ethos, a set of principles by which every soldier lives. But this ethos is not exclusive to the Army, nor is it limited to the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard. Upon the occasion of dedicating the Army Warrior Ethos exhibit at the Pentagon on Nov. 10, 2004, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker noted, ‘‘It applies to a broader sense, not just while we are in uniform, and not just while we’re in service to our country, but in our personal and professional lives in all respects,” referring here to all services, civilians and family members.

From firsthand experience, we can testify that the U.S. Army takes this commitment very seriously, even to the last. For more than 1,290 Army families who have lost a beloved son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, niece, nephew, or cousin in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, we know just how deeply this thread runs.

The list is too exhaustive to detail here, but some highlights are worthy of note to convey the sense of support, shielding and protection we felt in the days following Matt’s injuries and death. Conversations we have had with many — from Matthew’s unit captain who was on the scene the day Matt and Staff Sgt. Jason Evey were mortally wounded, to the network of friends and extended family in Germany who went to Matt’s bedside to read him scripture, to our friends who snatched our daughter home from Panama, to the sergeant who accompanied Matt’s remains from Europe, to the family friend who requested reassignment so he could meet Matt’s plane in Dover, to the escorts who assisted in delivering Matt to his final resting place — Matt, a fallen comrade, was never left alone. Nor was his family left alone.

Dear friends, neighbors, colleagues, acquaintances, and concerned citizens of St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties, you did not leave us alone. Your practical demonstrations of love, concern, care and compassion transcend the English language’s capacity to express our gratitude. You washed dishes. You did laundry. You stayed up nights with us. You cleaned gutters. You brought meals. You sent cards and donations (more than ,300 will go to the Fisher House Foundation). Some of you brought tributes in the form of works of art, plaques or notes to our home. One of you left a semi-anonymous handwritten note on our car upon seeing the signs we’d painted on our windows. Thank you, Susan, whoever you are.

We commend and thank the organizations and individuals who have assisted our family during this most difficult time: Booz Allen Hamilton; Brinsfield Funeral Home; the citizens of the community of St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties; The Enterprise newspaper; Fisher House Foundation; Food Lion (Solomons); Giant; Hair It Is; Heritage Printing and Graphics; McKay’s Food Store; Maryland General Assembly; Office of the Governor of Maryland; Operation Hero Miles; Patriot Guard Riders; Patuxent Presbyterian Church; Patuxent River Assembly of God; Shopper’s Food Warehouse; St. Mary’s County commissioners; St. Mary’s County Emergency Friendly Fund; St. Mary’s Hospital; Sheetz Inc.; Southern Tire; Tidewater Dental Associates; U.S. Army; U.S. House of Representatives; U.S. Senate; Wyle Laboratories Inc.; and every individual who is currently serving or has ever served in any branch of the U.S. military.

As Mary so aptly stated in her remarks at the memorial service, ‘‘If we’ve overlooked anyone, please charge it to our heads, not our hearts.” You have been family to us in the truest sense of the word.

We have been residents of St. Mary’s County for more than 18 years. We have always loved it here and we could not imagine having experienced this loss with any other community family. Our fellow countians lining the streets to pay their respects to our son touched us beyond measure.

We do have a fresh perspective on life. It is a precious gift with an uncertain duration. Distant memories have sharpened and suddenly become priceless sustaining treasures. Our confidence in the American spirit has been strengthened, and our appreciation for our community here in Southern Maryland reinforced. Matthew is not only our son, he has become your son, and you treated him and us as such.

Thank you and God bless you all.

-- The Wallace family: Keith, Mary,Jessica, Abigail and Micah
Lexington Park]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060809-152329 Patuxent River Assembly of God Wed, 09 Aug 2006 19:23:29 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=08&entry=entry060809-152329 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060807-145424 here. Normally we will not post a blog entry for every story (there are too many!), but we wanted to emphasize that this "Links" list is still growing regularly. If you come across a story we missed, please let us know about it so we can link it for everyone else.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060807-145424 Patuxent River Assembly of God Mon, 07 Aug 2006 18:54:24 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=08&entry=entry060807-145424 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060807-110229
There is a similar product available now that would have information about Matt Wallace on it. It is called a "Memorial Bracelet". They are metal, not rubber. Someone is researching what information is needed to place an order including cost and so forth. If you are interested please reply so we can consider whether to post the details here or do a large group order. The person researching this is already providing them for the Wallace family. ]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060807-110229 Patuxent River Assembly of God Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:02:29 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=08&entry=entry060807-110229 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060806-212606
You can take a look at the Google Maps overhead view here.

]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060806-212606 Patuxent River Assembly of God Mon, 07 Aug 2006 01:26:06 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=08&entry=entry060806-212606 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060804-160019 News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060804-160019 Patuxent River Assembly of God Fri, 04 Aug 2006 20:00:19 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=08&entry=entry060804-160019 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060802-221923 Many thanks to the hundreds of people who stood by the roadside and the graveside; hung out flags; wept as the funeral procession passed by; and did countless other things to express honor for Matt Wallace today. Your expressions of patriotism and kindness mean more than you could ever know. News and radio reports continue to come in from across the region, thanks for passing those on to the family.

As we transition into the next stages of grief, the tender care you have shown this family will remain an important well of strength for them to draw from.

For the many who keep offering "anything you need" - there are ways you can start "doing" now. Someone from PRAG is co-ordinating evening meals for the family; please either call the church 301-862-9200, or reply to this post with your contact information to be added to the list.

There are several practical things and some "wishes" that I'm (Louise) going to suggest. Please be aware these come from my observation or awareness, they are not direct requests from the Wallaces. This is not meant to be crude or offensive; but rather help transform generous words into real life actions.

The girls need to do "Back to School" shopping; gift cards, gas cards, etc., would be a blessing to them.

The family has received many beautiful documents and pictures, some of these items will need to be framed.

Donate "leave" time from their jobs.

The family cars need cleaning. The lawn could be mowed.Keith's car is undergoing major repairs at present, he can tell you what that involves.

If you don't cook, maybe you can provide a restaurant gift card?

Tickets to movies, shows, other events that they can do all together
as a family give them the a few hours of feeling "normal".

Jessica & Scott became formally engaged 3 days before Matt was injured. They drove to NC to join the family at the beach for a week of celebration. They were barely there 24 hours before they came home and their week of joy became a week of agony. Some of you have the resources to give them a day trip package somewhere, restaurant gift cards, spa gift cards,etc., things that would restore some of the time and joy that was taken from them. Jessica & Scott are to be commended for humbly laying down the attention that should have been theirs in order to honor Matt. Their engagement is something Matt was rooting for, let's refresh their excitement.

Responses can be sent to the church or reply to this post with your contact information if we need to make delivery connections.
If you have already given please feel released from doing more, but as so many people keep asking how they can help these suggestions should suffice. Of course donations should still be sent to the Fisher Houses, per the link on Memorial gifts.

Above all, your on going prayers for comfort and grace to surround the family day and night are what they need most. The one thing the family would ask is for you to remember to pray for the many soldiers still on duty, and their families at home. Thank you.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060802-221923 Patuxent River Assembly of God Thu, 03 Aug 2006 02:19:23 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=08&entry=entry060802-221923 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060730-202753

Matt will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday at 10:00. All are welcome to attend the ceremony. The procession will depart from Brinsfield Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD at 07:30; plan to be there by 07:00 (location is here). Attendees may also arrive separately at Arlington BEFORE 09:30, and check in with the guard (location is here). The Patriot Guard Riders will escort the procession from Leonardtown to Arlington.

]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060730-202753 Patuxent River Assembly of God Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:27:53 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060730-202753 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060727-193336 available on the PRAG web site.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060727-193336 Patuxent River Assembly of God Thu, 27 Jul 2006 23:33:36 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060727-193336 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060726-225927 www.armyfisherhouses.org will tell you about this wonderful organization.

It's possible that after the Memorial Service, not as many people will read this blog. We hope you will check back as we post follow up stories and information.
Also...the Wallace family has been through so much, they will need care in the weeks ahead. For those of you who keep asking "What can I do?", there are some specific ideas that will show up after the official services are over. We hope you will stay in tune and in touch. Thank you for your prayers and love in the meantime. ]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060726-225927 Patuxent River Assembly of God Thu, 27 Jul 2006 02:59:27 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060726-225927 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060726-091946 here.

The formal memorial service is Thursday at 1pm.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060726-091946 Patuxent River Assembly of God Wed, 26 Jul 2006 13:19:46 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060726-091946 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060725-090739 News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060725-090739 Patuxent River Assembly of God Tue, 25 Jul 2006 13:07:39 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060725-090739 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060724-234822 related story page (click the Related Video link). It's a great interview, very well edited, and is very uplifting. Thanks to reporter Phyllis Armstrong and WUSA9.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060724-234822 Patuxent River Assembly of God Tue, 25 Jul 2006 03:48:22 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060724-234822 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060724-165029 here.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060724-165029 Patuxent River Assembly of God Mon, 24 Jul 2006 20:50:29 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060724-165029 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060724-124230
Any questions please call Molly Frink at the church at 301-862-9200.
]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060724-124230 Patuxent River Assembly of God Mon, 24 Jul 2006 16:42:30 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060724-124230 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060724-111121
The family will also receive friends and guests from 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday July 26, 2006 at Patuxent River Assembly of God, 45020 Patuxent Beach Rd, California MD.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be given to benefit “The Fisher House” which is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. All checks made out to PRAG will benefit the Fisher House in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060724-111121 Patuxent River Assembly of God Mon, 24 Jul 2006 15:11:21 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060724-111121 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060724-010905
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 00644.html
]]> http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060724-010905 Patuxent River Assembly of God Mon, 24 Jul 2006 05:09:05 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060724-010905 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060723-150215 please allow the family quiet time through Tuesday. Please call before showing up at their home any time this week. They will need to sleep, make their own phone calls, and have a bit of down time before the public services later in the week.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060723-150215 Patuxent River Assembly of God Sun, 23 Jul 2006 19:02:15 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060723-150215 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060722-213623 News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060722-213623 Patuxent River Assembly of God Sun, 23 Jul 2006 01:36:23 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060722-213623 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060722-133531
Because of the incredibly difficult circumstances and the exhausting amount of traveling they have done, please allow the family quiet time through Tuesday. Please call before showing up at their home any time this week. They will need to sleep, make their own phone calls, and have a bit of down time before the public services later in the week. If they feel they are ready for visitors sooner, they will have it posted here. The idea is to simply let them catch their breath. Thank you for your understanding. Please continue to pray for comfort, peace, and grace to permeate this dear family.

Thanks to the community for the signs in honor of Matthew, it is sweet to know he is remembered by many people here.
]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060722-133531 Patuxent River Assembly of God Sat, 22 Jul 2006 17:35:31 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060722-133531 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060721-144331
Wallace
c/o Patuxent River Assembly of God
P.O.Box 828
California, MD 20619

The church can also be contacted by phone at 301-862-9200.

Thank you for each expression of sympathy and kindness.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060721-144331 Patuxent River Assembly of God Fri, 21 Jul 2006 18:43:31 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060721-144331 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060721-134500
The Enterprise newspaper has a second article about Matt here.

Thanks, Matt, for your service and your sacrifice. We are truly honored.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060721-134500 Patuxent River Assembly of God Fri, 21 Jul 2006 17:45:00 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060721-134500 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060721-080552
At 07:30a.m. EST, the family chose to unplug Matthew from the ventilator. He very quickly and peacefully passed away. The family reports the "Spirit of Liberty" was very present in the room, there was a strong presence of comfort, release and edification surrounding them. They are at peace with their decision, and grateful to have been together as a family in that moment.

Travel arrangements will take time, please just continue to pray for them as they prepare for the days ahead.]]> News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060721-080552 Patuxent River Assembly of God Fri, 21 Jul 2006 12:05:52 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060721-080552 http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060721-080000 News http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/index.php?entry=entry060721-080000 Patuxent River Assembly of God Fri, 21 Jul 2006 12:00:00 GMT http://mattwallace.pragnet.org/comments.php?y=06&m=07&entry=entry060721-080000