26, of Spokane, Wash.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.; died Nov. 12, at Zerok, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by indirect fire.
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United States Army SSG. Matthew H. Stiltz of Spokane, Washington. Matthew was assigned to 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.
At the time of this writing, Matthew was killed in action just 11 days ago, November 12th, 2012. According to the Department of Defense, his unit came under indirect fire from insurgents in Zerok, Afghanistan. At the time of his death, Matthew held the rank of SGT. He has since been posthumously promoted to the rank of SSGT.
Matthew grew up in Spokane, Washington where he attended and graduated from Shadle Park High School in 2005. He was a member of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) where he placed 5th of 71 teams in a national competition. Matthew was also a trumpet player in the pep band.
By all accounts, Matthew had the biggest heart of anyone his friends or family had ever met. He had an indescribable ability to connect with and mentor children of all ages. It was his big heart and love to match that would capture the attention of Brooke Keller. She became his wife on June 19, 2009.
Matthew is survived by his wife, his parents, Mark and Terri, a brother, Jeff, and a sister, Kristin. According to his family:
"Matt was a dedicated soldier and placed his unit and his country number one. He would want everyone to remember and support the troops still fighting for protection of our freedoms."
According to a press release, in lieu of flowers, Matt and his family would appreciate contributions to the following organizations which are of great comfort and assistance to military personnel and their families: The Fisher House Program, the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO.
At the time of this writing, Matthew will lie in eternal rest tomorrow, November 24th, 2012, in Greenwood Memorial Terrace Cemetery in Spokane, Washington.
We ask that you remember Matthew for his selfless dedication to his country, his unit and his family. We also ask that you forever remember him as an American Hero.
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