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SSgt Matt Maupin

Matt Maupin was a young man who grew up in the midwest with the typical dreams and aspirations of any other young man standing on the cusp of adulthood. He wanted to get a college education, drive his car, hang out with his friends. But Matt made a decision to serve his country first. He enlisted, trained and was deployed to Iraq. In the course of his service, his outfit was attacked by insurgents and he was taken hostage. Extraordinary circumstances brought this humble soldier into the hearts of many of his fellow countrymen. Extraordinary effort by his brothers in arms tell of the special bond that drove them to search for Matt for four very long years. And the extraordinary love of family and friends keep Matt's story alive with continued support of our military serving in harm's way. On this page you will find stories of Matt, who he was and what he meant to those who knew and loved him. To the right is a list of web links that you might also find interesting. Please let us know what you think in our guestbook and thanks for coming to visit.

Matt's Story
Monday, January 31, 2011 06:57 PM

Speaking in the past tense about anyone is a hard thing to do, especially when that person was always eager to live in the present and look brightly into the future.  Matt was the guy always ready with a smile, whether it was before the bell rang for 1st period or after a big win on Friday night.  His friends and classmates knew a goofy, intelligent, likeable peer who never made enemies and always offered a helping hand.  His family knew a happy, kind soul who had struggles like anyone else, but who had the strength and quiet determination to persevere and be the best he could in any situation.


Keith Matthew Maupin was born July 13, 1983 in Batavia, Ohio just east of Cincinnati.  Matt grew up a typical Midwest kid, playing soccer and spending summer days at King’s Island with his family and friends.  He was always on the go and spent most of his time outside playing with his younger brother Micah.  While at Willowville Elementary and Glen Este Middle School, he was regularly a stand-out student earning good grades and praise from his teachers.

 
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Tribute to Matt Maupin
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 09:22 AM

Recently Nicole Hartley reposted a video she put together in memory of Matt. The tribute is set to the Kenny Chesney song, "Who You'd Be Today". You'll find the link by navigating to Matt's Links from Matt's Story. Or you can click here.

While you watch the video, please keep in mind the awesome difference Matt made in our world. Through the efforts of family and friends who loved him and demanded answers, the US Army was held accountable for "no man left behind". The establishment of a computer lab in Iraq allowed deployed soldiers to communicate with their families and each other. It was instrumental in keeping focus on the task of finding Matt. Hundreds of young scholars have received monies to help further their education and in the providing, hundreds of fallen heroes have been given a public face. Thousands of deployed troops have had their morale boosted with the receipt of packages full of bits of home from strangers. And thousands of plain, ordinary folks have been given the oppertunity to give back a little something by donating and volunteering. Is it not amazing how the life of one can affect so very many in such a good and positive way?

Friends and family will never cease missing Matt. They will always wonder who he would be today and tomorrow and the next day. But there is no doubt who he was…a fine, courageous young man who loved, laughed and gave his best. Remember those who serve and protect you.
 
Remember My Face
Written by Keith Maupin   
Thursday, March 03, 2011 11:43 PM
This poem was written for Matt.  We have read it a few times in the events we attended during the time Matt was missing. 

Remember My Face

Written Saturday, May 28, 2005

It’s been a long time now I can’t help but feel
My life is over, is this all really real?
I’ve been a prisoner for such a long time,
"No one left behind", was that just a line?
They beat and threaten my life with a shiv,
Name, rank and serial number, that’s all I give.

Does anyone even remember my name?
Or am I a soldier and prisoner of little fame;
How much longer will I be held in this place?
My name is Matt, do you remember my face?
I’m an American soldier, who willingly served,
I can’t help but think this is so underserved.
Have I been abandoned in this horrible place?
Will I die and disappear without leaving a trace;

What about my buddies, who fought at my side,
Are they still fighting, has the war turned the tide;
Will they come for me and free me from this fate,
Or will I die in the place, a victim of fanatical hate?
The country I love and served with such pride
Has it turned its back on me now, has it lied?
Please don’t leave me behind; it would be a disgrace,
My name is Matt Maupin, please remember my face.
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