I served with then Sgt Land at Mals-41 NAS JRB Ft Worth. He was such a motivational person to be around. His signature cadence in the halls was “now entering main stages, 220lbs of twisted steel and sex appeal” at the top of his lungs… it was just plain impossible not to have a good day around him.  Going against him in ground fighting I learned he damn near was made of steel and he just wouldn’t get tired. I hate to hear of his passing, the world is a little darker. RIP Brother 

-Chris Kuhn

Matt lived close to me in Pensacola and It was awesome!  Never felt safer!  DUDE!!!!

To Vitamin Yert, Sgt. of Nutrition,

There are so many stories playing around in my head right now thinking of you. Rock bottom squats, teaching you how to play spades like a boss, and wishing I could be a Thunder Champion one day. Thank you for all the memories brother. You are gone but never forgotten. "FORWARD, HARCH" LOL I can hear it now. 

I know it's been years since Matt's passing, but I still think about him. I served with him in Yuma and he consoled me while I was going through a challenging time both personally and professionally upon my return from Iraq. SSgt Land would not let this SSgt get down nor stay down. It's impossible to not feel better after spending time with SSgt Land. 
Matt, you are not forgotten. I've been in and out of counseling for PTSD for years and the one tool that helps bring me out of my funk is hearing Matt's voice encouraging me. Many times he used to walk by the PC office and our OIC would storm out telling him to "Knock it off with that cadence crap".  The staff inside would giggle and we told Matt to keep it up. It actually motivated us!! SSgt Land was a rock and even if he was going through personal struggles, which he was, he would put on his game face and make sure you would feel better. 
Thank you Matt for your friendship and keeping my spirits up even after all these years. I love you brother. Semper Fi..."Stay Hard" "YUTTTTTT".

 I made his memorial video for his viewing and thought I would post it here since I see people are still visiting his condolence page. 

http://play.smilebox.com/SpreadMoreHappy/4d7a497a4f4467334e7a593d0d0a

I will see you this weekend brother. I am unsure of what my demeanor will be. Regardless, I miss you.

Matt I still think of you.  I'm so proud of everything that you did.  I love you!

Happy Birthday. You are very missed and definitely not forgotten.

I still think about you Matt, I will never forget you.

I'm not even sure how to start... I have read and reread, and reread.  I have looked at everything online to try and make this not real. My feelings for this man are very deep.  I cannot even start to compare the feelings of loss that I feel for Nicole or the girls or matt's family but the feelings of loss I still feel greatly.  I send my true deep heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew Matt. I have about 10 thousand stories about him, all of which have the end result of a good time and him being a good man and better friend.  Matt was a mentor a friend and brother to me.  I have one memory in particular that sticks out.  Being in a little hut in Mexico eating ceviche drinking a cold one and talking about family.  Perfect.  My favorite memory! I have been realing. I can't process this because he was a mountain of a man,  unstoppable,  force driven like a belt fed weapon..... A rock. A man better than myself.  The world is less now.  I can honestly say that he will never leave my heart.  I use quotes by him daily.  T.O.C. my friend.  Lest we forget.  My heart will be heavy forever.  Semper Fidelis.  Fair winds and following seas.  I'm sorry.

I only knew Matt for a brief period of time.  We were neighbors on Cameron Dr. in Arlington.  Even though we only knew each other for a short time I would get text messages from Matt every holiday.  Over the last couple of years I wondered why those messages stopped.  Today I sat down at work and for some reason I thought about Matt and googled him to see if I could figure out what he was up to.  My heart sank when I found out he had passed last year.  I am deeply saddened for Nicole and the girls and hope that things are going well.  Matt was a truly dedicated Marine and a very loyal friend.  I regret to hear such a fine young man passed at such a young age.

Will be a year on the first of July.  I miss my baby boy,so.  Your birthday will be July 26th, the big 40.  I've been listening to the song Semper Fi. It is you.  Love, Momma

I can honestly say that Matt changed my life. I knew him when we went through A school together, and I was different from then on. I searched his name hoping to see if he was reachable and what had he been up to. It was then that I found out he had passed. I'm sorry for your loss and I will always have fond memories of him.

Man so many memories from deployment (Camp Suntan) and Yuma (working out, rolling my Bronco).  Saying that you will be missed is the understatement of the century.  

Semper Fi Brother,

Probably the biggest, loudest, happiest, most motivated Marines I can remember.  Rest in peace.

Semper Fi

We'll be out to see you tomorrow.  It will be 8 months.  I love you Baby! Mom

"My favorite memory is Matt laughing his butt off in the DoJo videoing me kicking my own butt" I will miss you brother!

Matthew Land was a fire and forget weapon.. point him in the right direction and watch the magic happen.  He was one of the most dedicated and motivated Marines I ever had the pleasure of serving with.  Matthew now guarding heaven's streets. Semper Fi.

Goodbye Matt. I only knew you the few years my family and I lived in Arizona. But I know you will be missed by all of us. May you rest in peace forever more.

I was with GySgt Land at recruiters school and maintained contact with him through our tour as recruiters. He was an amazing Marine and man. My thoughts are with the Land family.

There will be many tears shed but not invain, even Jesus wept and showed his emotions. With sincere condolences to the family during your time of grief...Psalms 46:1 "God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times". May God (John 17:3) provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

Matthew touched and changed or lives forever, as he has for so many.  Our family sincerely and affectionately prays that the anguish of your loss will be consoled by the memories of your Husband, Father, Brother and Son, his life and those he touched and the lives he continues to save...

To Gy Land, Family, and Friends...you were a motivator at all pool functions I've seen you in. A true motivator of Marines! For those who don't know, I had the privilege of serving with him at recruiting station fort worth. He replaced me as I transition out of the Marine corps. He was a great friend...a great leader, an awesome Marine. Your words and mentoring will carry on in this life of ours and the next. ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE, BROTHER! My condolences to your family and friends. You will be missed ! SEMPER FIDELES, OOOOHRAH! - SSgt Fuentes

My deepest sympathy & condolences to the Land family for their loss. I worked with Gunnery Sergeant Land at MCAS Yuma for a few years and I can truthfully say that he was one of the best Marines, as well one of the finest human beings, that I had the honor to serve with.  I will never forget the leadership and valuable life lessons that Gunnery Sergeant Land passed down to me and all of the Marines he came in contact with.  Thank you for your leadership Gunnery Sergeant, you will not be forgotten.

To the family of GySgt Land I extend my deepest respect and gratitude for his sacrifice and service. I lost my son 1sgt Jeff McKinney to a non-combat related death 5 years ago in Iraq. If I can be of assistance in any way please contact me. Semper Fi

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another. 

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to GSgt Matthew Parks Land   our “Brother-in-Arms”.   To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Matt.   And to Matt it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom while deployed with the U.S. Marine Corps.  Matt, you served with honor and distinction; we bid you a sad farewell.  You will be dearly missed from among our ranks.  Be at Ease.  Rest in Peace.
 
On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion,  I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Matt's family and loved ones.

Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Rest in peace Marine, you're paid in full.

The news of Matthew Land's passing comes as a great shock and immeasurable sadness for Nicole and the girls. As a Marine, we spent so many hours together in my office in Yuma that after he left I always felt like I had just been given a large injection of motivation.  As a friend, we shared feelings that Marines only share behind closed doors in a darken room and I know the love that he had for his family.  Gunnery Sergeant Matthew Land has made the ultimate sacrifice and given his full measure to the Corps…I pray for peace and understanding for his family. I LOVE YOU MAN!!!!!

The news of Matthew Land's passing comes as a great shock and immeasurable sadness for Nicole and the girls. As a Marine, we spent so many hours together in my office in Yuma that after he left I always felt like I had just been given a large injection of motivation.  As a friend, we shared feelings that Marines only share behind closed doors in a darken room and I know the love that he had for his family.  Gunnery Sergeant Matthew Land has made the ultimate sacrifice and given his full measure to the Corps…I pray for peace and understanding for his family. I LOVE YOU MAN!!!!

I'm not sure who all will read this... but to Mathew's family I want to say (and I am sure as I have already read that you will hear this many times over) that in the short time I knew this amazing man one thing stood out above all the rest...even louder than his billowing "YUTS!" and  "OORAHS"... that above all things he held his daughters and wife as the most cherished things in his life.  He spoke of you often and with such JOY. Of everything he told me about 
himself I knew he had two AMAZING and WONDERFUL!! daughters and a BEAUTIFUL!! wife.  My sentiments and prayers go out to the entire Land family. Every so often we are graced and priveleged to share the company of a truly INCREDIBLE!! person... one who inspires us to live fuller lives and become better people.  Mathew was one such man.  While I only knew him a short time we became very close friends. As we shared life's struggles together I had the opportunity to see the depth of character and awesome personality that he had.  No words can encompass a man as great as Mathew Land.  I've never met someone so selfless...Even as he fought through hard times Mathew never missed an opportunity to share some kind words and lift somebody up and brighten their day.  I will never forget the inspiring words and tangent filled conversations we shared, the wisdom and encouragement he provided me and others, and the zeal and enthusiasm that he had for life.  
                                         Bro... you will be sorely missed and never forgotten.  Thanks for your friendship, advice, and for inspiring me to become a better man.  I will honor you always. I'll see you in the ring one day if you need a sparring partner.  You left this world a better place. We can all only hope to leave such a legacy as you have.  
R.I.P "STUDBOLT"....YUT!!!

My name is Jamie Freeman. I am a former Marine and at the time I met Gunny Land, I was a manager for Buffalo Wild Wings in Lewisville TX. I approached him about a program that we had that would benefit The Wounded Warrior Project. Buffalo Wild Wings would provide a venue for his monthly Pool meeting and a portion of any money spent would go directly to The Wounded Warrior Project. He was instrumental in getting this started. He and the entire Lewisville/Irving/Denton office's resulted in thousands of dollars for The Wounded Warrior Project. He truly made a difference in so many lives.

Very sad to hear of Matt's passing.  We were not super close, but friends none the less.  He was a great guy who always looked out for his buddies.  We had some good times together.

I'd like to start by giving my condolences to the Land family. I had the privilege as well to serve under Matt's command at MALS-13. He was more then my supervisor at work and mentor in and out of the gym, he was my big brother in the Corps. He fought for me to get promoted when no else would, he offered food when I was broke, he taught me how to lead and not follow, he offered encouraging advice, but most importantly he made me a better Marine.  That is the kind of Man Matt was, and I will never forget all that he did for me.  I wish I could return the favor, instead I will honor him by continuing to use all that he taught me. He motivated us all at MALS-13, and I know that no one will ever forget his cadence echoing through the vans and loud "YUTS!" R.I.P. Matt you will never be forgotten.
 GySgt. Land- "LIGHT WEIGHT!"

My condolences to the Land family. I must tell you all the news of his passing rocked me. I'm taking it a lot harder than usual. Thats probably because I've created some of the best memories of my life in the company of this guy. We were stationed together in Yuma AZ at MALS 13. After losing my wallet two-and-a-half hours past the Mexican border, and not realizing it until we got to the US border, he was the only person willing to ride back with me the next day and help me find it; and we did find it. Thats just the type of guy he was. My only regret is not being able to tell him how much he has impacted my life face to face. However, I will continue to honor his memory, the gentle giant that loved to joke around and have a good time. He was always the life of the party. He will truly be missed. I wish I could be there to say goodbye at his final going away party but my duties have me stationed overseas. I dont know who is going to read this, hopefully the Land family will. Either way, I just want everyone to know that Matt was a great guy and I will always remeber him as such. No matter what, cherish and honor the good memories. Once someone leaves this earth that is all we really have left. 

Sincerely,
SSgt Erik Costner

I am very sorry for your loss. I worked under Gunnery Sergeant Land in Yuma at 650. He was definitely one of the most motivated Marines I have ever met and he truly loved Marines and the Marine Corps. From what I saw, he always put in 100% and would go out of his way to better his Marines. I know he loved his family beyond words. He would always talk about his wife and two daughters with so much love and enthusiasm. My fondest memory is of Gunnery Sergeant Land allowing me to keep my French manicures when there had been some complaints. He told me he didn't care what type of nails I had long as I was a good Marine.

My deepest condolences to GySgt Lands Family. The news is devastating and hard to believe. As I think back to my times at MALS-41, I remember a highly energetic, passionate and motivated Marine who loved to run around and yell OORAH.  Devil Dog you will be missed, but I know if today we could look on Heaven's scenes we would find that one of those Marines is YOU. SEMPER FI!

Ralph Marmolejo

Nicole, my condolences to your family, and your husbands family also. My prayers are with you all. I'm only sorry I never had the chance to meet Matt in person. From all the beautiful things that people are saying about him and seeing the beautiful smile on your face in your pictures, I can tell you were very happy. Hold tight to your loved ones and seek some counsel, it does help. Love Rosalind

Gunny, you were a true motivator.  I'll never forget you on the sword detail at the ball.  You will be missed, "big dawg."

To the Land family sorry for your loss Matt was awesome didnt get to know him much after we all grew up but the times i spent at yalls house and having so much fun ill never forget .Matt you will always be in our hearts .......

My condolences to the Land family.  I served with Matt in MALS-13 when he was a Sgt.  He was a highly motivated man that always found a way to motivate others.  One of the nicest guys I've ever met.  You will be deeply missed. Semper Fi!

GunnerySergeant Land was an amazing guy. He always kept me straight and was always willing to help. He held himself to a much higher standard and I admired him for that. He will be missed.

Wow, I do not even know where to begin. Matt was the most influential people that I have ever meet. We first meet as Marines but that was only the beginning. We formed a friendship that lasted far beyond the Marine Corp. Matt was my brother and someone that I could always depend on for support and help. The side that everyone knew Matt for was the over the top, energetic, and outgoing personality. The bond that was formed between the two of use allowed me to get to know a person that was very heart felt and passionate and extremely caring. It was because of Matt that I have become the person I am today. Without ever knowing Matt and having the strong friendship that the two of us developed, I do not know where or what I would be doing now. My heart goes out to Nicole and the girls. If there is anything I can do or if you ever need anything let me know.

Matt- I will miss our conversation that we had because it always seemed like both of us came away with something good from each one of the them. I will also miss the Chuck and Buck adventures.

I knew Matt from Yuma.  He was a great Marine and a great guy.  He will be missed.

My condolences to the Land family. I remember serving with Matt, he was a Great Marine! Very motivated. He was a great guy and a very passionate person.

To all of Matt's Family...
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Matt from the goofy little boy he used to be to the fine man and father he turned out to be. He was such an amazing person and I will miss him. The neighborhood kids were a group I will always be proud to have been a part of. We had some great times then and I will treasure those memories forever. We all now have one amazing angel watching over us.

My condolences go out to Matthew's family.  I had the pleasure of serving with him at MCAS Yuma.  Always motivated and a genuinely great guy.  I still remember his cadences and the way he would roll the r's in my last name.  Sad to hear of his passing.  R.I.P. Matt.  You will be missed.

I am deeply sorry for your loss.  GySgt Land was one of the best Staff NCOs I've had the pleasure to work under.  He was one of the few that took care of and treated his Marines like men.  My family's hearts go out to you and you will be in our prayers.

Larry, I am sorry for your loss. There are no words to express the loss. God be with you, my friend. Rick Hemmle

Julie and Marie,

So very sorry for your loss.  Matt was so special and will be missed by so many.

Love and prayers,

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Land family. I served with Gunny Land in Yuma, AZ. He motivated a lot of us and always kept us entertained with his stories. I will keep the Land family in my prayers.

GySgt Land would say, "I'm the best kept secret in the Marine Corps!" He was referring to the privilege/ responsibility ratio of a GySgt. He was a man who loved what he did. He was very passionate about the Corps!

I send my prayers and condolences to the entire Land family...I am so sorry for the loss of your son Matt....I will continue to pray for you and your family.

Larry- We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Eddie and Donna Townsend

Matt

It is so hard to see a brother in arms fall.  From the few times I met you, you seemd like an amazing guy.  You were like a brother to my wife.  Melanie and I will be there for your family for when ever they need anything.  You will be missed.

SSG Gabriel M Bozo

I Will always remember you guns. From motivated words in the gym, LIGHT WEIGHT!!! to screaming cadence in the streets of MCAS Yuma.

May god bless your family and see them through during their time of need.

I am truly shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Matt's passing.  He was always larger than life. We met many years ago in the 90's as he slowly got used to the Air Wing and met with resistance because of his huge personality. We met again as SSgt's and spent many a hour in the MGun's vans sharing stories and molding each other. He admire and loved Ho Dogg because I "just got" it, and I love Matt because he purely and truly embodied the Marine spirit and I wanted to be him a little and possibly him I a little.  My favorite Matt story that I have always told over the years was him walking to work singing cadence at concert decibals when an Officer jumped out and screamed keep it down with all that noise. I'm trying to work. Matt looked at him and said Aye sir. (door closes) top of his lungs FORWARD march Left right, hey Ho Dogg. 
That was Matt, he was uncontainable and amazing beautiful of heart. I'll forever cherish and love his memories and time spent.  God bless you and your family through these tough times.

I send my condolences. I served with GySgt Land in Yuma, AZ. You could always tell when he was around because you could here him always calling cadence in that loud deep voice of his. He was the most motivated Marine I ever met. You will truly be missed.

My deepest sympathies to the Land family. I served with Matt when we were stationed at NAS Fort Worth JRB.   I am deeply saddened with his loss and words cannot express my sympathy for the Land's. Semper Fidelis Matt and God Speed.

Dear Larry and Julie,
Our prayers are with you and your family during this tough time.  God be with your family.

I was stationed with him in Yuma at MALS-13. He was the most motivated Marine i have ever met. Always brought a smile to Marines faces when he was anywhere within earshot.

I knew Land to be a super motivated Marine while we served together in Yuma.  Superbly fit, with enough motivation for an entire platoon, he was ALWAYS a positive force in what was sometimes a negative time.  After 9/11, he was ready to GO, and I don't mean home.  I'll miss his presence, but know that the Lord has gained a shining star up in heaven.  RIP, Marine!

A great man. The world has lost a someone who would fight for freedom, at any cost. RIP....LANDYERT

I first felt your hard chargin motivation as ssgt land at 17 in RSS lewisville to me you embodied in all aspects what a marine should be attitude,drive, and your overwhelming stature. Your cadence could make chesty basilone and dailey get up and follow you on your insane death runs you've mentored me and steered me in a good path the corps your friends and familly will miss you greatly you will forever be in our hearts and minds Rahhh! Gunny

I'll never forget the first time I met Matt--two 'devil pups' straight out of boot camp sizing each other up over morning chow. Thankfully, an intense dislike turned into one of the closest friendships I've ever known.  For years after that he was a close friend, dedicated workout buddy, partner-in-crime, and stiff competition. His motivating personality had a way of gathering the admiration and respect of others around him and he affected all he met. My condolences to his family and friends.  He will be missed.  

Rest in peace, brother.  Bad News Bear for life! YERT!

-Griff

This news is devastating I would of never have imagined this. Matt was my husband's recruiter, when we met him you could tell and see he was a devoted Marine, he prepared my husband for boot camp. And helped us along the way. He was a great person,always invited us to go to his church, so we did and we met his family and friends akways made us feel welcomed. Our thoughts and prayers go to the Land's.

My deepest condolences to Gunny Lands family. I had the pleasure of serving with him during his time as a Sgt at MALS-13. He is still the most MODIVATED Marine I know to this day. His modivation and esprit de corps was at a level that few can have. He is a great loss to the Corps. RIP GYSGT Land.

well what can i say i personally know that if gunny land was still here than he would be saying "hey killer i need you to come to the RSS and talk to me about enlisting still" alls i cn say had very good memory with him working out until i puked and he will be missed dearly my condolencses to his family and one thing gunny land SEMPER FIDELIS TO THE END SIR!!!

Matt was the closest thing to a brother for me. He was the most motivated and hard charging Marine I ever served with. He loved his family very much and was one of the biggest inspirations for me in the Marines. He even introduced me to my wife while we were deployed to Iraq. I cant explain in words how much he meant to me and how much pain and sorrow I feel for Nicole and the girls. I can see him now up at the pearly gates annoying everyone with his non-stop cadence and loud booming voice. YEEERRTT!!! If anyone wants some amazing stories about an amazing man or needs anything, dont hesitate to call me at (480) 322-2514. 

Allan "Bones McGee" Keyes

Nicole i pray that you and the girls find comfort and peace in the days to come. No body promised the road would be easy, but i guarantee you God has brought you too far to leave you now. Rely on him for your comfort and strength!

He would walk with cadence every place he went and you wanted to follow him and you wanted him to care about you as a person and a Marine. He was a great leader that the Marine Corps wished they could carbon copy but he was one of a kind. Sorry for your loss but please take comfort in the fact that he has inspired a countless number of Marines and helped better them as people and not only Marines. He will be missed and every Marine that has met him will keep you and your family in our prayers.

May the Lord give you and your family courage and strength to keep you going through this tough time.

I was GySgt Land's Officer in Charge in Yuma, AZ when he was a Sergeant.  I am devastated to hear this sad news and started crying when I got the phone call!  He is the poster for the model Marine.  We would play chess during some down time at work and he would always whip me.  I can honestly say he was one of my favorite Marines during my 22 year career.  I will pray for his family during this sad time.  RIP Gunny...until we meet again for another round of chess!

Marie and Julie, I'm so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. I didn't know him personally, but our families all made up Forest Hill Presbyterian  Church for many years. My prayers go out to you.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Impacted so many Marines.

I met Sgt Land while stationed with him in Fort Worth.  I have many good memories of him as a mentor and friend.  He will sorely be missed.  Your family is in my prayers.

Gods Speed brother. Guard the gates of heaven well. 

My condolences and prayers to you and your family. I served with Land in Yuma. He was an outstanding Marine and will be missed by many.

My condolences to the family and friends.  From the first day we met at MCAS Yuma, you have left an everlasting positive impression on me along with many of Marines throughout.  You will be truly missed; however, never forgotten. An outstanding devoted father and Marine.  

Guillaume Lewis

Julie and Marie,

Our families condolences to you both in the passing of Matt. We were at the church earlier and it reminded me of all of us at different ages behaving as best we could during Sunday school, church services and VBS.  My heart goes out to both of you and your family.

No one could tell a better story.  No one could be a better friend.  He loved his family, friends, country, and chess.  He will be missed.

My deepest condolences. I servered with him in Yuma. You could always hear him from miles around.  Although I had not spoken to him in many years, he will be missed. Semper Fi and rest in peace.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Land family. I had the privilege of working for GySgt Land while stationed in Yuma, AZ. GySgt Land was one of the most motivating leaders I have ever worked for, he will not be forgotten but will be surely missed. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

Nicole,
You and I met only once very briefly while SSgt. Land was taking time out of his very busy schedule to help mentor me and make me the best Marine I was capable of being. I can't express to you how sorry I am for your loss and how much Matt will be missed. He was a great Marine and an even better person! You and your family are in our prayers.

Dear Nicole and Family,We are so very sorry for your tremendous loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.You have our deepest condolences.The world has lost a very special person. Sincerely,Tera & Adrian Miranda

Well. Matt has been like my second father to me all along. Even after I have moved to the Springs and you guys went to Texas. You guys have been my second family, and I appreciate it so much. 
Matt you'll always be in my heart and even though many of us dont understand why, we now know your safe and you're protecting the Land family. 
I love this family so much, and my thoughts and prayers are with you guys. I have faith in you guys and I love all of you so very much<3

Mark and I are so sorry to hear about Matt.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Cherie & Mark Dawson

GySgt Land impacted a countless number of lives. I had the priviledge or serving with him for several years. His motivation and dedication to his Marines was at a level seldom seen. He will truly be missed. My heart and prayers go out to his family.

Our deepest condolences.  

-From the members of 650 at MALS-13 past and present.

We were like brothers. We grew up on the mean streets of Arlington, riding our bikes through the gutters, spending our Summers crawdad fishing and swimming at Howard Moore. We spent more nights than I can count at each other's houses. When we grew up and grew apart, I was so proud of the man you had become. Much more of a man than I could ever be. A man that had set aside his personal desires in order to serve his country. I knew that as long as there were men like you protecting us, then we'd be safe for sure. I'm going to miss you, Matt. I'll miss your enthusiasm and playfulness. I'll miss your courage and strength, but most of all I'll miss the little Moo Man that called me his Clever. Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet again.

OBITUARY

Matthew Parks Land

July 26, 1973 – July 1, 2012

Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home

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