Tualatin Marine, Matt Lembke, dies of war injuries
Friends and family remember him for his sense of humor and joyful outlook on life

By Stover E Harger III

The Times, Jul 13, 2009,

TUALATIN — Cpl. Matthew Lembke, the 22-year-old Marine who was severely injured by an IED blast late last month while on patrol in a war-torn portion of Afghanistan, died from his injuries on Friday.

Lembke was a well-respected and loved local who has been serving in the Marines since graduating from Tualatin High School four years ago. News of his injury and subsequent death has caused an outpouring of support from the community and beyond as many share thoughts and memories about Lembke, remembering his love of life, dedication to the military and positive outlook.

The Lembke family shared their thoughts after his death in an online journal devoted to Matthew:

“We have lost our son and brother too soon. He walked early, talked early and now he has left us early. We have been so blessed to have the support and prayers of so many. We want everyone to know that all of our — and your — prayers have not been in vain; we will always treasure these 15 days that we have been with him, to comfort Matt and each other.”

Matthew Lembke, a scout sniper in the Marines, was patrolling in the Taliban-heavy region of Now Zad, Afghanistan on June 24, according to the Department of Defense, when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded. He lost both his legs and suffered heavy internal injuries. He was on his third tour of duty, having served twice before in Iraq, and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

The Associated Press reported that Lembke stopped breathing while being treated by a medical team just after the explosion, but he was eventually brought to a stable condition.

After moving through an Afghanistan hospital and German medical center — where he was met by his parents Claudia and Dale and sister Carolyn — Matthew and his family ended up in the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland. In Bethesda, Matthew underwent surgery after surgery and battled infections.

Matthew’s family spent the last few weeks by his side, praying for his recovery and doing their best to comfort him.

On Tuesday, July 7, his mother said that they were beginning to see improvements, even though progress was slow and Matthew was not responsive under his heavy sedation. As she and her family prepared themselves for a long recovery process, Matthew took a turn for the worse. He developed an aggressive infection after surgery the next day and on the morning of July 10, Matthew died.

His death has been a blow to his family and friends. They have shared their thoughts in a Facebook group created by long-time friend Nick Carney, who along with his mother Alex, have been in close contact with the Lembke family over the course of Matthew’s struggles and since his death.

The “Lumpe’s Status” Facebook page (viewable by searching on www.facebook.com) has nearly 400 members who have used the forum to communicate with Matthew’s family and each other. Soldiers who served with Matthew speak of his devotion to his country and to the military, while old friends fondly remember “Lumpe’s” (his high school nickname) sense of humor and joyful outlook on life.

“He was always having a good time,” said Nick Carney. “I don’t remember any times when he was sad or depressed or anything.”

Lembke was proud of what he was doing in the Marines, Nick Carney said. When Lembke was done serving he wanted to further his education and possibly work towards getting a job in the government or law enforcement, Carney said.

As of July 13, Dale Lembke is still in Maryland waiting to return home with his son’s body. No date has been set for a memorial service, but Alex Carney said the Lembke family hopes to have one this weekend if possible.

Alex Carney visited Claudia Lembke on Saturday at her Tualatin home and said the grieving mother is broken up over Matthew’s death, but thankful for the widespread support her family has received.

“The outpouring of support is more extensive than she could have imagined,” Alex Carney said.

Ellie