thedrifter
02-10-07, 07:38 AM
Weyerhaeuser Marine remembered
By John Terrill
On a cold Wisconsin winter’s day, a local hero was warmly remembered by family, friends, teachers and fellow Marines.
About 1,000 people gathered in the Weyerhaeuser High School gymnasium, Saturday, Feb. 3, for a Memorial Service for Lance Corporal Andrew G. Matus, who left an indelible impression on so many people in the 19 years of his life, which ended Jan. 21 in Anbar Province, Iraq, where he was serving with the Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force.
Hundreds filed past the picture boards, viewed displays, paused before his picture and urn, and comforted members of Andrew’s family prior to the start of the service.
Around three sides of the gym about 100 members of the Wisconsin and Minnesota Patriot Guards stood holding American flags. They left the gym during the service.
Andrew joined the Marines when he was 17 and went to basic training following his graduation from Weyerhaeuser High School in 2005.
Among those attending the service were Governor Jim Doyle and the Adjutant General of the Wisconsin National Guard.
The Weyerhaeuser Community Choir, under the direction of Gary Hecimovich, performed the Battle Hymn of the Republic, America the Beautiful and ECCE Fidelis Servus. Choir members from Bruce, Ladysmith and other locations joined the choir.
“We are here today because Lance Corporal Andrew Matus wanted more than anything else in the world to wear the uniform of his country’s Marine Corps,” said Weyerhaeuser School Superintendent Barb Lorkowski, who also was Andrew’s teacher.
“We are here today because Andy was anxious to do a job that is sometimes lonely and dangerous. A job that put him in harm’s way while defending his country. Andy was one of those brave Americans who was willing do to that.”
“Nothing can prepare us for a day like today,” Lorkowski continued. “We are saddened beyond description with this loss. But our sadness is tempered with pride, fond memories and thankfulness that we were lucky enough to know and be a part of Andy’s life.”
Rusk County Board Chairman Randy Tatur read a proclamation in honor of Andrew, and VFW 9th District Commander Peter Breed read an expression of sympathy on behalf of all veterans.
Memories of Andrew
“The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Andy is his smile,” said Weyerhaeuser middle school teacher Rhonda Coggins. “Sitting in class, often arms folded across his chest, Andy would lean back with a twinkle in his eye and just smile that little half grin he always had. You could see the wheels turning and the thinking taking place, even when Andy didn’t say much.
“Andy knew that good grades came with hard work. In middle school Andy was consistently on the honor roll. Andy wrote in our 7th grade yearbook, ‘To get on the honor roll it is not too easy, You have to do your work and do it well. You also have to get it in on time.’
Coggins recalled that “Andy always did his best on projects, and worked to make them fun — especially if they were ones he didn’t particularly like.”
“Andy put everything into what he was doing,” said Coggins, pointing out the time he waded out in a pond to get a water sample, because the water by the edge “just wouldn’t do.”
“Thank you, Andy, for sharing your life with us. Thinking of you brings a smile to our faces as well,” Coggins concluded.
Weyerhaeuser School history teacher Jay Hatcher described Andy’s vision. “It is rare for high school students to know what their career choice will be, much less prepare for that career choice while still in high school,” Hatcher said.
“It was apparent that Andy Matus knew exactly what he wanted to do after high school. He was a Marine before he was a Marine. Just walking down the hallway, you knew Andy was destined to be a Marine. Because early on, Andy had not only developed his body, but his countenance as well. He was the epitome of military bearing even before attending basic training. He had that steely-eyed, stoic appearance that is so sought after for Marine Corps recruiting posters and commercials.”
Hatcher recalled Andy doodling at his desk, which was in front of his in the classroom. “While doing so, his shoulders would shake while he chuckled to himself. “Being curious, I would go over to see what he was drawing. . . and it was always some sort of design for a new kind of rifle or a weapon of mass destruction. I always had to smile.
“It is not hard for me to imagine Andy as the perfect Marine, in bearing, action and deed.” As a tribute to him, Hatcher, a former Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, walked over to the large picture of Andy above his urn and showed him the highest respect an officer can show an enlisted man, he saluted him.
Weyerhaeuser Science teacher Ron Weber said one of the rewards of teaching in a small school is that each student leaves a box in the closet of his mind. “Andy’s box has quite a few memories in it, more than I can share here,” he told the audience.
“My first memory of Andy is his first grade class walking by me in the hall, being towed by Mrs. Toman to the art room or the cafeteria. As I walk past, some wave, some smile and some just look up at me with their mouths open as if I were some beast from another world. Andy always had this mischievous grin on his face, as if he were up to something. I got used to that grin, as he had it all the way through high school.
Weber said his last memory of Andy was a couple of weeks before graduation, He was in a class that designed a fitness course for a school fitness day. “Of course the part he designed and built was the army crawl. What I remember most is how well he worked with the kids that participated in the fitness course, mostly elementary students.
“I remember thanking him and thinking to myself, ‘What a fine young man.’ As I think back to that glorious sunny spring day, I can see Andy out on the football field and I had no doubt that he was going to be a good Marine, someday a good husband and father, and a good citizen of this earth.
“As I shut Andy’s memory box, I wonder where it will be kept in the closet. Right now it is in the front, because of the circumstance and the fact that he was in my class less than 2 years ago. I think it will stay in the front, though, because of something Andy gave me,” said Weber.
It’s a piece of wood, a handle for Weber’s ice auger that Andy made a few years ago. “He could have made it out of pine, but he chose oak,” he said. It could have been rough, but it was sanded perfectly smooth, because he wanted to do it right.
The day Andy lost his life, Weber had that handle in his hand, drilling holes in Potato Lake. Saying he wouldn’t take $10,000 for it, he pledged he would use it until he’s too old to turn the handle.
“His box will be in the front of my closet. I think it belongs there,” said Weber.
School principal Todd Solberg recalled that as a kindergarten student Andy fell in love with his teacher, Mrs. Lauer. “One day Andy came in with his arms behind his back as he was holding something and with a gleam in his eyes asked Mrs. Lauer to marry him. He revealed what was behind his back and gave her a ring from a paper binder as a wedding band,” said Solberg. “I guess Andy recognized a pretty lady at age 5. Mrs. Lauer has kept that ring in her desk drawer to this day.” (She currently teaches kindergarten in Augusta.)
“As a high school student, Andy was gifted with his mind and his hands,” said Solberg, who commissioned Andy to turn on his lathe the legs for a wrought iron table he was building. “He excitedly accepted and two days later he returned with them, perfectly machined.”
“Another time I asked him to build some metal working tools that I needed. He took home the samples I provided, worked his magic on his metal lathe and once again produced a precision product. I still use these tools on a regular basis,” said Solberg, adding that those tools mean a little more to him now.
When the school needed some cabinets to store football equipment Solberg turned to Andy, knowing he had high standards and they would be built to his specifications without flaw.
“Our equipment is stored in the cabinets that Andy built and will be stored there for years to come. Andy had the attitude that if his name was being attached, it would be done first rate and first class.
“Andy was a young man that was mature beyond his age and could always be counted on. I remember well having a conversation with Andy in my office, and he discussed his passion for becoming a Marine. He told me he wanted to be in the infantry because that is where he felt the Marines could best use his knowledge of rifles and his marksmanship abilities. He lived his dream of becoming a Marine, did it in exemplary fashion and served his country well.”
Andy’s best friend, Andrew Ludvik, talked about the shock of hearing about his death. “I couldn’t believe that this great of a person could be gone at such a young age. He had so much potential.
“I am proud to have known Andy. I am proud to be able to call him my best friend. I am also proud to know that Andy went out as a true American hero that will never be forgotten.
“I learned a lot from Andy. He was always trying to teach me something new. He was my personal mechanic and got me through tech ed class. Andy was the one who got me into ancient history, the subject I am currently studying in college.”
Ludvik reflected on his best friend’s career choice.
“With all of Andy’s talents, he could have chosen an easier and less dangerous path in life. But he felt full-heartedly in this war and often defended it. Andy was a man of his word and he honored his commitments. He was going to be in the Marine Corps infantry, and he knew he was going to be fighting in Iraq and that is exactly what he did.
“Andy had the personality that one could only respect. He was quiet and humble, but confident and stood up for his beliefs. Whenever he would get in a debate . . . you knew you were in for a fight. He was staunch in his opinions and beliefs and no one could convince him otherwise.”
Ludvik described a Christmas Eve when Andy decided to run the 12 miles from his home to Weyerhaeuser, against his mother’s wishes. He made it, and was fortunate to find a friend to get a ride back home.
“The one positive I will take from this tragedy is inspiration. Andy knew what he wanted in life and he did his best to obtain it. He set goals and more often than not completed them. He didn’t let obstacles get in his way. Andy faced a couple of rough patches while he was in the Marines, but he persevered and ultimately did what he set out to do. I truly believe he died doing what he loved.
“Andy’s death has left an empty void in my heart that will never be replaced, but a piece of Andy will live on through me, as well as the rest of his family and close friends. Any died in honor fighting for what he believed in and for his nation and freedom. Andy was my friend, my comrade, my brother. I will always cherish the good times and memories he has left behind, Andy will never be forgotten. Semper Fidelis L. Cpl. Andrew Matus.”
Andy’s sister, Amanda, gave the family’s eulogy, which included several light-hearted moments from his life.
Amanda said Andy was no different from most babies, except he was a little more husky than most. “For the first six months of his life he was quite the chunker and had rolls and rolls and rolls. Who would have known that he would turn out to be the strong, courageous Marine he was.
“When the family would go ice fishing he would get excited, pack his lunch and jump in the truck. Little did he realize that he was really only going a couple miles down the road to Potato Lake. He would fish for about five minutes and then head straight for the food. That’s why he really wanted to go ice fishing, for the snacks and to jabber everyone’s ear off.
“When he would fish he tried to trade Grandpa two small fish for one big fish because he figured they were the same size. And being that grandkids are hard to say no to, Gramps headed home with all the small fish and Andy with all the big ones.
“The jabber jaw we once knew as a young lad turned to a more silent young man. If you tried to communicate during those days you better know the language I titled ‘grunt’ because that’s about all you were going to get for a response.
“Andy’s musical accomplishments arose when he said he wanted to learn how to play the accordion. Now, I don’t know how many beef cakes say they want to do that, but his mother taught him and he would play a tune for most anyone that came over if they made a request. The only thing was that he had one tempo and that was fast. Needless to say, you only heard polkas from him.
Amanda recalled an incident when Andy got mad at his mother and started hiking up the road with his suitcase. She caught up with him and asked where he was going. “He said he was mad at her and was walking to grandma’s.” When they got home and opened the suitcase, it was empty. “He must not have planned on a long stay.”
When it came to sports, Andy had a different outlook than did Amanda, who was active in girls sports. “His priorities were hunting and fishing,” she said, but he did take up baseball and football at one time.
“He played little league baseball one year and they were Tri-County Little League champions. Then when he was a sophomore in high school, the coaches finally got him to play football. That year they were conference champs. He told the coaches that he only played on teams during the winning years. Although he would have been a great athlete, his heart wasn’t in it,” said Amanda.
His proudest moment in school was the day he broke seven cement bricks with a baseball bat at a motivational day event. He referred to it as “his best day ever,” according to Amanda.
Although he wasn’t a big kid, he had a big appetite. One time when the family went out for a lunch buffet, Andy ate four whole chickens, according to his sister. One of the entrees at Saturday’s lunch was chicken.
“After boot camp, he was home on leave and showed off his dress blues and ‘camis’ with a little style show. His grandma Virginia remembers how proud he was to strut around in them. Andrew lived his dream to be a Marine and lived it well until January 21, 2007,” she concluded.
Insights into Andrew’s life as a Marine were shared by Corporal Ryan Caskey, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, Camp Pendelton.
“Andy was my best friend,” he said. “Many people have spoken before me about the life that Andy had lived before the Marine Corps. I am here as a testament to his great legacy in the Corps. Most people believe that you can’t have a great impact or legacy on people without having a long period of time to do so. Andy was different. Everyone he met was immediately struck with his uncanny ability to make an incomparable impression on people the first time he was introduced.”
“I met Andrew Gary Matus on July 18, 2005, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. As with most people who see Andy, I immediately noticed his short height and abnormally big muscles. I quickly thought I should hang around this guy because I bet he can pull his weight . . . and he did. Throughout boot camp, Andy displayed his exceptional attitude toward everything he did. Never once was he asked to do something which he did not complete with an outstanding result. Over the three months of recruit training, I slowly saw the Andy many of you knew, transformed into the Marine Lance Corporal that I know. Besides being my best friend, he was the best Marine that I have ever met. I was extremely lucky to have been great friends with him, from day one in boot camp ’til the time he was killed.
“Andrew was a Marine’s Marine. His body type allowed him to do things that many other Marines couldn’t. When someone couldn’t pull their weight, you could almost guarantee Andy was behind him taking some of the load off. When someone was tired, Andy would take over his watch, so that Marine could rest. When someone was in trouble and the outlook didn’t look so good, Andy was behind you saying in his raspy voice and strong Wisconsin accent, ‘I got your back, dude.’
“Andrew’s no quit, don’t stop till it’s done attitude allowed him to accomplish much more than his body would every let him. Andy truly lived to be the Marines’ saying of ‘no better friend, no worst enemy.’
“Most of you know that Andy wasn’t very vocal unless he was your good friend or family. In the Marines, he was the same way. I was lucky enough to be so close to him that we could have a normal conversation for 5 or 10 minutes. Any longer than that, though, and Andy would fall asleep or just sit there and listen until you were done.
“For Andy, most of 2006 was spent training to be deployed to combat. During the time while he was in training, I was in Iraq and then Afghanistan. Even though we were 11,000 miles apart, our friendship was never interrupted. It was simply put on hold. When his unit finally got deployed to Iraq, my unit was attached to his. We were finally going to go to Iraq together. It was both of our dreams come true. To be in combat with each other. Although it would be my third time in combat, it was Andy’s first. Andy was so excited to finally get a chance to do what he joined the Marine Corps for.
“In combat, Andy was a Marine that everyone could count on. He was dependable, alert, sharp and always a sure shot. Often Andy couldn’t get enough ammunition. It seemed he was always out of ammo. Which was good, because you know Andy would always be on target with those bullets. He would just keep shooting until he was sure the enemy was eliminated. And then after that he would give them a couple extra rounds to make ‘double, double sure’ as he would call it.
“Before he was deployed, Andy was voted by his fellow Marines as “the Marine that the others would most want to be in combat with.” Andy lived up to this honor. There are few Marines that I have served with that compare to how comfortable I felt being around Andy when the bullets started to fly.
“On the day I received my Silver Star, Andy walked right up to me and said, ‘Man that fire fight was fun. Next time though, I’m going to get the Medal of Honor for the stuff I do.’ Every Marine laughed with him, but soon realized that if anyone were to get the medal, it would be him.
“I know Andy had no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in that which he was engaged. And his courage did not halt of falter. As I wake up everyday I am reminded both physically and emotionally of the sacrifice that it takes to keep this country free. It takes a sacrifice, a deep sacrifice of life and blood to be able to live in this country.
“I mourn every time one of my brothers dies in the fight for this country. I do not say friend, buddy or pal. I say brother. Because we are joined by an underlying love for one another that surpasses all other.
“Lance Corporal Andrew Gary Matus was my brother. I miss him every day and pray that our Lord will comfort you all in this time of sorrow. I and my brother and sister Marines can only get hope to continue on the legacy that Andy left us. The only thing that I can promise you is that we will honor him every day by waking up in the morning and continuing the fight.”
Gunnery Sergeant David Dickens, USMC, on behalf of the President, awarded the Purple Heart posthumously to Andy, presenting it to his family.
U.S. Navy Chaplain Kneen said that when a Marine dies, wherever that may be in the world, a military escort is assigned to that body until it is safely home. The escort left Iraq with his body, flew on the plane to Dover, Dela., and flew to Wisconsin, and accompanied it in the hearse and eventually to Weyerhaeuser.
Chaplain Kneen said it was a sense of duty that took Andy halfway around the world to fight, so that people here can be free and not be afraid.
He told of Jesus’s promise that when your life comes to an end in this world, even on the sands of Iraq, “I will find you and take you home to be with me forever.”
A Marine honor guard unfolded and then refolded the American flag that was next to his picture and urn as the audience sat in total silence. The flag was presented to the family.
Following the 21-gun salute in the frigid air outside the school, a Marine bugler in the hallway blew Taps with both precision and feeling.
At the conclusion of the memorial service, Lorkowski on behalf of the Matus family thanked everyone for attending. “They greatly appreciate all of your kind words, moral support and the fact that you have all taken time out of your busy schedules to be here.”
A lunch for 700 people was served in the school lunch room and ancillary rooms. Betty Antczak and Kathe Gardner coordinated a large crew of volunteers that prepared and served the food, which included 2,000 pieces of chicken, 250 pounds of potatoes that were mashed, gravy, sauerkraut with pork, and salads and desserts.
A school bus shuttled attendees from their parked cars on the street to the school, and the Community Emergency Response Team and firemen directed the parking at the school.
Ellie
By John Terrill
On a cold Wisconsin winter’s day, a local hero was warmly remembered by family, friends, teachers and fellow Marines.
About 1,000 people gathered in the Weyerhaeuser High School gymnasium, Saturday, Feb. 3, for a Memorial Service for Lance Corporal Andrew G. Matus, who left an indelible impression on so many people in the 19 years of his life, which ended Jan. 21 in Anbar Province, Iraq, where he was serving with the Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force.
Hundreds filed past the picture boards, viewed displays, paused before his picture and urn, and comforted members of Andrew’s family prior to the start of the service.
Around three sides of the gym about 100 members of the Wisconsin and Minnesota Patriot Guards stood holding American flags. They left the gym during the service.
Andrew joined the Marines when he was 17 and went to basic training following his graduation from Weyerhaeuser High School in 2005.
Among those attending the service were Governor Jim Doyle and the Adjutant General of the Wisconsin National Guard.
The Weyerhaeuser Community Choir, under the direction of Gary Hecimovich, performed the Battle Hymn of the Republic, America the Beautiful and ECCE Fidelis Servus. Choir members from Bruce, Ladysmith and other locations joined the choir.
“We are here today because Lance Corporal Andrew Matus wanted more than anything else in the world to wear the uniform of his country’s Marine Corps,” said Weyerhaeuser School Superintendent Barb Lorkowski, who also was Andrew’s teacher.
“We are here today because Andy was anxious to do a job that is sometimes lonely and dangerous. A job that put him in harm’s way while defending his country. Andy was one of those brave Americans who was willing do to that.”
“Nothing can prepare us for a day like today,” Lorkowski continued. “We are saddened beyond description with this loss. But our sadness is tempered with pride, fond memories and thankfulness that we were lucky enough to know and be a part of Andy’s life.”
Rusk County Board Chairman Randy Tatur read a proclamation in honor of Andrew, and VFW 9th District Commander Peter Breed read an expression of sympathy on behalf of all veterans.
Memories of Andrew
“The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Andy is his smile,” said Weyerhaeuser middle school teacher Rhonda Coggins. “Sitting in class, often arms folded across his chest, Andy would lean back with a twinkle in his eye and just smile that little half grin he always had. You could see the wheels turning and the thinking taking place, even when Andy didn’t say much.
“Andy knew that good grades came with hard work. In middle school Andy was consistently on the honor roll. Andy wrote in our 7th grade yearbook, ‘To get on the honor roll it is not too easy, You have to do your work and do it well. You also have to get it in on time.’
Coggins recalled that “Andy always did his best on projects, and worked to make them fun — especially if they were ones he didn’t particularly like.”
“Andy put everything into what he was doing,” said Coggins, pointing out the time he waded out in a pond to get a water sample, because the water by the edge “just wouldn’t do.”
“Thank you, Andy, for sharing your life with us. Thinking of you brings a smile to our faces as well,” Coggins concluded.
Weyerhaeuser School history teacher Jay Hatcher described Andy’s vision. “It is rare for high school students to know what their career choice will be, much less prepare for that career choice while still in high school,” Hatcher said.
“It was apparent that Andy Matus knew exactly what he wanted to do after high school. He was a Marine before he was a Marine. Just walking down the hallway, you knew Andy was destined to be a Marine. Because early on, Andy had not only developed his body, but his countenance as well. He was the epitome of military bearing even before attending basic training. He had that steely-eyed, stoic appearance that is so sought after for Marine Corps recruiting posters and commercials.”
Hatcher recalled Andy doodling at his desk, which was in front of his in the classroom. “While doing so, his shoulders would shake while he chuckled to himself. “Being curious, I would go over to see what he was drawing. . . and it was always some sort of design for a new kind of rifle or a weapon of mass destruction. I always had to smile.
“It is not hard for me to imagine Andy as the perfect Marine, in bearing, action and deed.” As a tribute to him, Hatcher, a former Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, walked over to the large picture of Andy above his urn and showed him the highest respect an officer can show an enlisted man, he saluted him.
Weyerhaeuser Science teacher Ron Weber said one of the rewards of teaching in a small school is that each student leaves a box in the closet of his mind. “Andy’s box has quite a few memories in it, more than I can share here,” he told the audience.
“My first memory of Andy is his first grade class walking by me in the hall, being towed by Mrs. Toman to the art room or the cafeteria. As I walk past, some wave, some smile and some just look up at me with their mouths open as if I were some beast from another world. Andy always had this mischievous grin on his face, as if he were up to something. I got used to that grin, as he had it all the way through high school.
Weber said his last memory of Andy was a couple of weeks before graduation, He was in a class that designed a fitness course for a school fitness day. “Of course the part he designed and built was the army crawl. What I remember most is how well he worked with the kids that participated in the fitness course, mostly elementary students.
“I remember thanking him and thinking to myself, ‘What a fine young man.’ As I think back to that glorious sunny spring day, I can see Andy out on the football field and I had no doubt that he was going to be a good Marine, someday a good husband and father, and a good citizen of this earth.
“As I shut Andy’s memory box, I wonder where it will be kept in the closet. Right now it is in the front, because of the circumstance and the fact that he was in my class less than 2 years ago. I think it will stay in the front, though, because of something Andy gave me,” said Weber.
It’s a piece of wood, a handle for Weber’s ice auger that Andy made a few years ago. “He could have made it out of pine, but he chose oak,” he said. It could have been rough, but it was sanded perfectly smooth, because he wanted to do it right.
The day Andy lost his life, Weber had that handle in his hand, drilling holes in Potato Lake. Saying he wouldn’t take $10,000 for it, he pledged he would use it until he’s too old to turn the handle.
“His box will be in the front of my closet. I think it belongs there,” said Weber.
School principal Todd Solberg recalled that as a kindergarten student Andy fell in love with his teacher, Mrs. Lauer. “One day Andy came in with his arms behind his back as he was holding something and with a gleam in his eyes asked Mrs. Lauer to marry him. He revealed what was behind his back and gave her a ring from a paper binder as a wedding band,” said Solberg. “I guess Andy recognized a pretty lady at age 5. Mrs. Lauer has kept that ring in her desk drawer to this day.” (She currently teaches kindergarten in Augusta.)
“As a high school student, Andy was gifted with his mind and his hands,” said Solberg, who commissioned Andy to turn on his lathe the legs for a wrought iron table he was building. “He excitedly accepted and two days later he returned with them, perfectly machined.”
“Another time I asked him to build some metal working tools that I needed. He took home the samples I provided, worked his magic on his metal lathe and once again produced a precision product. I still use these tools on a regular basis,” said Solberg, adding that those tools mean a little more to him now.
When the school needed some cabinets to store football equipment Solberg turned to Andy, knowing he had high standards and they would be built to his specifications without flaw.
“Our equipment is stored in the cabinets that Andy built and will be stored there for years to come. Andy had the attitude that if his name was being attached, it would be done first rate and first class.
“Andy was a young man that was mature beyond his age and could always be counted on. I remember well having a conversation with Andy in my office, and he discussed his passion for becoming a Marine. He told me he wanted to be in the infantry because that is where he felt the Marines could best use his knowledge of rifles and his marksmanship abilities. He lived his dream of becoming a Marine, did it in exemplary fashion and served his country well.”
Andy’s best friend, Andrew Ludvik, talked about the shock of hearing about his death. “I couldn’t believe that this great of a person could be gone at such a young age. He had so much potential.
“I am proud to have known Andy. I am proud to be able to call him my best friend. I am also proud to know that Andy went out as a true American hero that will never be forgotten.
“I learned a lot from Andy. He was always trying to teach me something new. He was my personal mechanic and got me through tech ed class. Andy was the one who got me into ancient history, the subject I am currently studying in college.”
Ludvik reflected on his best friend’s career choice.
“With all of Andy’s talents, he could have chosen an easier and less dangerous path in life. But he felt full-heartedly in this war and often defended it. Andy was a man of his word and he honored his commitments. He was going to be in the Marine Corps infantry, and he knew he was going to be fighting in Iraq and that is exactly what he did.
“Andy had the personality that one could only respect. He was quiet and humble, but confident and stood up for his beliefs. Whenever he would get in a debate . . . you knew you were in for a fight. He was staunch in his opinions and beliefs and no one could convince him otherwise.”
Ludvik described a Christmas Eve when Andy decided to run the 12 miles from his home to Weyerhaeuser, against his mother’s wishes. He made it, and was fortunate to find a friend to get a ride back home.
“The one positive I will take from this tragedy is inspiration. Andy knew what he wanted in life and he did his best to obtain it. He set goals and more often than not completed them. He didn’t let obstacles get in his way. Andy faced a couple of rough patches while he was in the Marines, but he persevered and ultimately did what he set out to do. I truly believe he died doing what he loved.
“Andy’s death has left an empty void in my heart that will never be replaced, but a piece of Andy will live on through me, as well as the rest of his family and close friends. Any died in honor fighting for what he believed in and for his nation and freedom. Andy was my friend, my comrade, my brother. I will always cherish the good times and memories he has left behind, Andy will never be forgotten. Semper Fidelis L. Cpl. Andrew Matus.”
Andy’s sister, Amanda, gave the family’s eulogy, which included several light-hearted moments from his life.
Amanda said Andy was no different from most babies, except he was a little more husky than most. “For the first six months of his life he was quite the chunker and had rolls and rolls and rolls. Who would have known that he would turn out to be the strong, courageous Marine he was.
“When the family would go ice fishing he would get excited, pack his lunch and jump in the truck. Little did he realize that he was really only going a couple miles down the road to Potato Lake. He would fish for about five minutes and then head straight for the food. That’s why he really wanted to go ice fishing, for the snacks and to jabber everyone’s ear off.
“When he would fish he tried to trade Grandpa two small fish for one big fish because he figured they were the same size. And being that grandkids are hard to say no to, Gramps headed home with all the small fish and Andy with all the big ones.
“The jabber jaw we once knew as a young lad turned to a more silent young man. If you tried to communicate during those days you better know the language I titled ‘grunt’ because that’s about all you were going to get for a response.
“Andy’s musical accomplishments arose when he said he wanted to learn how to play the accordion. Now, I don’t know how many beef cakes say they want to do that, but his mother taught him and he would play a tune for most anyone that came over if they made a request. The only thing was that he had one tempo and that was fast. Needless to say, you only heard polkas from him.
Amanda recalled an incident when Andy got mad at his mother and started hiking up the road with his suitcase. She caught up with him and asked where he was going. “He said he was mad at her and was walking to grandma’s.” When they got home and opened the suitcase, it was empty. “He must not have planned on a long stay.”
When it came to sports, Andy had a different outlook than did Amanda, who was active in girls sports. “His priorities were hunting and fishing,” she said, but he did take up baseball and football at one time.
“He played little league baseball one year and they were Tri-County Little League champions. Then when he was a sophomore in high school, the coaches finally got him to play football. That year they were conference champs. He told the coaches that he only played on teams during the winning years. Although he would have been a great athlete, his heart wasn’t in it,” said Amanda.
His proudest moment in school was the day he broke seven cement bricks with a baseball bat at a motivational day event. He referred to it as “his best day ever,” according to Amanda.
Although he wasn’t a big kid, he had a big appetite. One time when the family went out for a lunch buffet, Andy ate four whole chickens, according to his sister. One of the entrees at Saturday’s lunch was chicken.
“After boot camp, he was home on leave and showed off his dress blues and ‘camis’ with a little style show. His grandma Virginia remembers how proud he was to strut around in them. Andrew lived his dream to be a Marine and lived it well until January 21, 2007,” she concluded.
Insights into Andrew’s life as a Marine were shared by Corporal Ryan Caskey, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, Camp Pendelton.
“Andy was my best friend,” he said. “Many people have spoken before me about the life that Andy had lived before the Marine Corps. I am here as a testament to his great legacy in the Corps. Most people believe that you can’t have a great impact or legacy on people without having a long period of time to do so. Andy was different. Everyone he met was immediately struck with his uncanny ability to make an incomparable impression on people the first time he was introduced.”
“I met Andrew Gary Matus on July 18, 2005, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. As with most people who see Andy, I immediately noticed his short height and abnormally big muscles. I quickly thought I should hang around this guy because I bet he can pull his weight . . . and he did. Throughout boot camp, Andy displayed his exceptional attitude toward everything he did. Never once was he asked to do something which he did not complete with an outstanding result. Over the three months of recruit training, I slowly saw the Andy many of you knew, transformed into the Marine Lance Corporal that I know. Besides being my best friend, he was the best Marine that I have ever met. I was extremely lucky to have been great friends with him, from day one in boot camp ’til the time he was killed.
“Andrew was a Marine’s Marine. His body type allowed him to do things that many other Marines couldn’t. When someone couldn’t pull their weight, you could almost guarantee Andy was behind him taking some of the load off. When someone was tired, Andy would take over his watch, so that Marine could rest. When someone was in trouble and the outlook didn’t look so good, Andy was behind you saying in his raspy voice and strong Wisconsin accent, ‘I got your back, dude.’
“Andrew’s no quit, don’t stop till it’s done attitude allowed him to accomplish much more than his body would every let him. Andy truly lived to be the Marines’ saying of ‘no better friend, no worst enemy.’
“Most of you know that Andy wasn’t very vocal unless he was your good friend or family. In the Marines, he was the same way. I was lucky enough to be so close to him that we could have a normal conversation for 5 or 10 minutes. Any longer than that, though, and Andy would fall asleep or just sit there and listen until you were done.
“For Andy, most of 2006 was spent training to be deployed to combat. During the time while he was in training, I was in Iraq and then Afghanistan. Even though we were 11,000 miles apart, our friendship was never interrupted. It was simply put on hold. When his unit finally got deployed to Iraq, my unit was attached to his. We were finally going to go to Iraq together. It was both of our dreams come true. To be in combat with each other. Although it would be my third time in combat, it was Andy’s first. Andy was so excited to finally get a chance to do what he joined the Marine Corps for.
“In combat, Andy was a Marine that everyone could count on. He was dependable, alert, sharp and always a sure shot. Often Andy couldn’t get enough ammunition. It seemed he was always out of ammo. Which was good, because you know Andy would always be on target with those bullets. He would just keep shooting until he was sure the enemy was eliminated. And then after that he would give them a couple extra rounds to make ‘double, double sure’ as he would call it.
“Before he was deployed, Andy was voted by his fellow Marines as “the Marine that the others would most want to be in combat with.” Andy lived up to this honor. There are few Marines that I have served with that compare to how comfortable I felt being around Andy when the bullets started to fly.
“On the day I received my Silver Star, Andy walked right up to me and said, ‘Man that fire fight was fun. Next time though, I’m going to get the Medal of Honor for the stuff I do.’ Every Marine laughed with him, but soon realized that if anyone were to get the medal, it would be him.
“I know Andy had no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in that which he was engaged. And his courage did not halt of falter. As I wake up everyday I am reminded both physically and emotionally of the sacrifice that it takes to keep this country free. It takes a sacrifice, a deep sacrifice of life and blood to be able to live in this country.
“I mourn every time one of my brothers dies in the fight for this country. I do not say friend, buddy or pal. I say brother. Because we are joined by an underlying love for one another that surpasses all other.
“Lance Corporal Andrew Gary Matus was my brother. I miss him every day and pray that our Lord will comfort you all in this time of sorrow. I and my brother and sister Marines can only get hope to continue on the legacy that Andy left us. The only thing that I can promise you is that we will honor him every day by waking up in the morning and continuing the fight.”
Gunnery Sergeant David Dickens, USMC, on behalf of the President, awarded the Purple Heart posthumously to Andy, presenting it to his family.
U.S. Navy Chaplain Kneen said that when a Marine dies, wherever that may be in the world, a military escort is assigned to that body until it is safely home. The escort left Iraq with his body, flew on the plane to Dover, Dela., and flew to Wisconsin, and accompanied it in the hearse and eventually to Weyerhaeuser.
Chaplain Kneen said it was a sense of duty that took Andy halfway around the world to fight, so that people here can be free and not be afraid.
He told of Jesus’s promise that when your life comes to an end in this world, even on the sands of Iraq, “I will find you and take you home to be with me forever.”
A Marine honor guard unfolded and then refolded the American flag that was next to his picture and urn as the audience sat in total silence. The flag was presented to the family.
Following the 21-gun salute in the frigid air outside the school, a Marine bugler in the hallway blew Taps with both precision and feeling.
At the conclusion of the memorial service, Lorkowski on behalf of the Matus family thanked everyone for attending. “They greatly appreciate all of your kind words, moral support and the fact that you have all taken time out of your busy schedules to be here.”
A lunch for 700 people was served in the school lunch room and ancillary rooms. Betty Antczak and Kathe Gardner coordinated a large crew of volunteers that prepared and served the food, which included 2,000 pieces of chicken, 250 pounds of potatoes that were mashed, gravy, sauerkraut with pork, and salads and desserts.
A school bus shuttled attendees from their parked cars on the street to the school, and the Community Emergency Response Team and firemen directed the parking at the school.
Ellie