SFC Matt Blaskowski

It's been almost 3 years...this picture was just sent to his brother and I thought I'd share. Taken soon after his return to duty after being shot on the during a 5 hour firefight in Afghanistan...a fight in which he was awarded the Silver Star along with the Purple Heart.
Rest in Peace, Sarge.

 

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkeMclsHxrs[/YOUTUBE]

Please watch the whole video. Very cool. Very strange. Very special to my heart.

 

Three years today...Jesus that's hard to believe.
Love and miss you, Matt. Thinking of you and your family today brother.

 

This video was shot the day my friend was killed...at his firebase, the moment it happened. The soldier they are so desperately calling a medic for was SFC Blaskowski. Appreciate it if you watched this...because this is how was is.
YouTube - US forces face daily perils east of Afghanistan - 30 Sep 07

 

Happy Birthday, Matt. Miss you bro.

 

Four years ago today, SFC Matt Blaskowski made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. Seems like only yesterday. We miss you, Ski.

 

First time I've seen this thread. Very moving YouTube video, Luke. You are a good friend to keep Matt's memory alive in this thread.

Thanks, SFC Blaskowski, for your service and sacrifice. RIP. :S!

 

Thanks for taking the time to look, Tommy. In the grand scope of things, Matt is just another casualty, just another name. But in our eyes, his friends, family, neighbors...he's the epitome of a hero. He started in the National Guard, joined the 10th Mountain Division in Kosovo, then the 173rd Airborne. Was injured in training accident that caused him to miss the only combat jump in OIF....an event he never really let himself forget...pushed his recovery of a very serious knee injury, the type that ends most airborne careers, to get back in the seat for Afghanistan. His first tour resulted in a Silver Star, a Purple Heart, and one American paratrooper that most certainly wouldn't have survived if it hadn't had been for his valor. The second trip to the Korengal brought with it missing his new wife, anticipating his promotion, and ultimately his death by sniper fire...along with the Bronze Star and a 2nd Purple Heart. This summer we erected a Fallen Hero monument to his memory. We hope his is the only name ever etched on it. I know I talk about him a lot on here...it's only for the reason that so few of us ever get to meet a hero up close and personal....very very few ever get to claim they knew one. I am one of the very very few. And I'm better because of it.

 

Have you posted a pic of the monument on the forum?

 

I will get the pictures off my phone tomorrow...I left at work the past 2 nights. Wonder why it's been so quiet around here...

 

Thank you for your service SFC Blaskowski.

 

Happy Veteran's Day, Matt. Thanks.

 

Damn Luke, I hadn't seen this thread before, guess it's Karma that I run across it on veteran's day. Watched both the videos, I'm sure it's surreal for you to know the second one recorded his death.
What I'd like to say, is that you're really a good friend to keep his memory alive the way you do. He must have been a very special man to inspire such loyalty. Thank you for sharing him with us. Happy Veteran's Day SFC Blaskowski.

 

Thanks for checking it out...he was a very special man. A hell of a guy.

 

Opening day of deer season tomorrow. Hope heaven doesn't have a tag limit.

 

It doesn't, Luke. That's why it's called Heaven.

Here's to your friend, SFC Blaskowski, and to all of you who love him. A salute and my heartfelt condolences.

 

Winter is so ******* drab and depressing here. Went to your memorial downtown today...Somebody shovels it off after every snow...brushes it down and shovels the walk. There is a Ranger coin on it that someone left. Bought tickets and tags for a Wyoming hunt for the fall...we are going to knock the crap out of the birds. I miss you buddy.

 

One for the fallen. May they R.I.P.