I don't know how to make links but our home town newspaper website has a very good slideshow that would make people feel patriotic even if they didn't know Matthew.  It's at www.mycameronnews.com

Thank you so much for sharing the experience with us, Cathi.  Though my heart is so heavy for your loss, my heart is also warm for the embrace your community has given you.  Clearly Matthew and your family have had a tremendous impact on those around you, and its inspiring how Matthew is still bringing out the best in people.  Our prayers and love will continue to be with you... 

Kristen

I really appreciate the support my AS family has given me.  If you've sent a card and haven't received a thank you from me yet I'm still working on them.  I wanted to share the latest news we have been given.  The investigation isn't complete but they did find that both helicopters were fired upon.  Because of enemy involvement it will now be classified and we won't receive the report.

Thank you Cathi for this update. 

I just saw on foxnews channel last night the news about the hostile fire upon the 2 helicopters. 

I received your card and a photo of your son in the mail today.  Thank you, you didn't need to personally thank me with a card.  I do appreciate it and will keep it in my heroes room.   God bless you all. 

Take good care.

Know that the Lord is watching over you.  

And while you may never hear anymore info from the military on this incident, you do at least KNOW that it was through no fault of our pilots!  Getting shot down is always tragic... with this collision, the consequences were more devastating.

Continue to keep you head up and be proud for the service your sons have provided.

Hugs and more hugs...

Anna - Baltimore MD

Cathi, you're amazing to send thankyous when it's us who are grateful to YOU for how you raised your boys---proud, strong, and dedicated. Your card is right above the table where my boxes of AnyHero letters are sorted; knowing your heart for the work we all do and the heroes we all serve is an inspiration. I continue to pray for you, my friend!

Cathi, just a "thinking of you" note to let you know that you are not alone.  Your friends are still here and holding you and the family in our prayers.   Lynne B.

 I ditto what Lynne said.  Hope all is going well Cathi.  Prayers your way.

Thank you so much!  Your timing is great...yesterday was his 8 year marriage anniversary and I was having memories of that day.  We just found out he will be getting the Purple Heart, the Air Medal and the Combat Action Badge.  I can't believe how many cards I've gotten from Soldier's Angels and I have enclosed  AnySoldier cards inside my thank you cards to them also. Please continue your prayers for me.  I feel like a hormonal pregnant woman who bursts into tears without any notice.  I'm still sending out my soldier pkgs. but they aren't getting many cheery letters right now so I hope you all will keep them flowing.  I'm sorry I've missed the cardswaps (I had been in everyone since the beginning) but I've been following along on the thread.  I think I've made about 185 thank you cards so far so that has been keeping me busy.  Thanks for checking on me "family".  Thanks Marty for providing a place where like-minded people can support each other along with our heroes.

Cathi,

  I think of you every day, and I'll be getting a letter out to you by the end of the week. I'm glad you are keeping busy with the things that help you as you work through your grief.  Take care, and know that we are all here for you!

Hugs from WI,

I have not been on these forums much lately and am sorry I have not made a timely response.

So many have very eloquently expressed our feelings, and I would just like to say that my heart aches for you and for all who have lost sons and daughters.  Be proud of what they have done.  I just cannot express my thoughts about those who would use the occasion of a military funeral to protest.  How proud you must be of your community as well as of your family.

With prayers that you may experience comfort in this time of need.

Dorothy

 Cathi

Sent you a PM

Diane 

Cathi,

I can't say anything that hasn't been said, but I can't read this and not offer my appreciation, respect, and condolences, either.  Your sons both seem to "get it" where their service is concerned, and that is a reflection on their parents and how they were raised.  Thank you for taking us on this journey with you, and for your support, even in your time of grief.  Like so many others on here, I hope you will contact me if you ever need anything.

God Bless.

Kevin

Here is another article from the local paper about how the state of Missouri is trying to honor Cathi's son.  http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2009/mar/12/bill-would-honor-fallen-soldier/.  Thought you might like to take a look.  Lynne B.

Hi,

Just checking in also...

Hope all is going well with you and the family. 

Rely on the Lord, your friends, and all of us, my dear.  We are here for you! 

Take good care,

Anna - Baltimore, MD