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The Sgt. Matt Maupin Computer Lab

Photo By Sgt. Jason Mikeworth | Brig. Gen. Yves Fontaine, Commanding General of the 1st Corps Support Command, speaks...... read more read more

09.20.2005

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. Jason Mikeworth 207th MPAD
19 September 2005

The Soldier's Creed contains the words "I will not leave a fallen comrade." And these words are carried out by the actions of Soldiers everyday. Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin, the only U.S. soldier still listed as captured in Iraq, has not been forgotten by fellow soldiers serving at Logistical Support Area Anaconda. A new computer lab at the Education Center here has been dedicated to him.

The Sgt. Matt Maupin Computer Lab officially opened on Sept. 19. The lab was made possible by the donation of 35 computers by Maupin's parents, Keith and Carolyn Maupin. Another 55 donated computers will be used to set up the Sgt. Matt Maupin Internet Café at LSA Anaconda.

Maupin, of Batavia, Ohio, is assigned to the 724th Transportation Company. The Army Reserve unit is based out of Bartonville, Ill. Maupin deployed to Iraq in February 2004 with the unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. One of his chief complaints during phone calls home was the difficulty he had accessing a computer to email home.

On April 9, 2004, the one year anniversary of the fall of Baghdad, Maupin was on a convoy to deliver fuel when it was attacked near the Baghdad International Airport by a force of nearly 200 insurgents. They attacked with small-arms fire, rocket propelled grenades, machine gun fire and improvised explosive devices. Shortly after the attack, Maupin's status was listed as "whereabouts unknown."

On April 16, 2004, Maupin was shown alive in a video on the Al-Jazeera television network. His status was officially changed to captured.

"This lab will allow all warriors who are serving in Iraq to stay in touch with their families, pursue education, or simply enjoy some personal time surfing the World Wide Web," said Brig. Gen. Yves Fontaine, the commander of the 1st Corps Support Command and LSA Anaconda. "We open the doors to this facility with the hope that Matt will be found soon."

The computers are dedicated for Soldier's personal use, said Sgt. Maj. Angela Adams of the 301st Corps Support Group and the non-commissioned officer in charge of the Education Center. She also noted the marked improvement over the previous set up.

"We used to have 10 laptops that everyone was using," Adams said. "We had about 8,000 users so far and that was just on our little laptops."

Adams envisions more soldiers being able to complete online college classes as well as correspondence courses.

"Now we'll get more users, and the system is so much faster. It'll give them more services, and more users will be able to use [the computers]," said Adams. "(Going) from 10 (computers) to 35, you just can't beat it."

Some special improvements had to be made at the Education Center to accommodate the gift, said Master Sgt. Marcus Williamson, a communications section chief from the 301st. Extra power had to be wired into the computer lab as well as additional internet service lines.

Along with college classes and email services, Soldiers are able to use instant messaging programs, download pictures from home and even use web cams to chat with family.

"They can download stuff, but in the evening the system will check itself and erase whatever is not part of what we put in," said Williamson.

Each computer had its hard drive "ghosted" so every system will have the same software. They also all feature a picture of Maupin as the background image to remind Soldiers he is still held captive.

"These are a dedicated resource to bridge the communication gap," said Fontaine, "Direct communications services provided here will give families and soldiers the ability to share strength, courage, determination and pride. It will keep fathers in touch with daughters; mothers and sons, husbands and wives."

Quoting the motto of the National League of POW/MIA Families, "Not Forgotten," Fontaine spoke of Maupin and what the computer lab symbolizes.

"The story is told about Matt, that he is a proud soldier, who knows his duty and does not shirk from it. He is loved and missed by everyone who knows him. Our country remains dedicated to finding Matt. The efforts of this lab are representative of the respect and concern our nation has for finding him," the general said. "The systems are for the exclusive use for soldiers, and all bear a picture of Sergeant Maupin as a reminder that he is still out there waiting for us."