Courtesy Photo | Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment kneel before a memorial display in...... read more read more
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MARJAH, Afghanistan - If only Lance Cpl. Scott A. Lynch and Sgt. Matthew D. Matteoni could have heard what their brothers said. Or maybe Lynch, the clever rifleman, and Matteoni, the gregarious machine gunner, were gazing down on their memorial ceremony -- possibly saying a prayer for their brothers in 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.
Speculation aside, at least two things can be said of the memorial in Marjah, Oct. 13; the men of 2/6 took a moment to shed tears but left with the resolve to fight in the honor and memory of their fallen comrades.
Lynch, from Greenwood Lake, N.Y., is remembered as a quiet but active Marine, said Maj. Richard Pitchford, the executive officer with 2/6. A scout sniper, Lynch enjoyed mental challenges, like his Rubik’s cube, and physical challenges. His friends recalled his last workout – him jumping off the pull-up bar and striking a double-bicep front pose after setting a personal record of 30 pull-ups. He was 22.
Matteoni, from Union City, Mich., was more of the outgoing type, Pitchford said. He was well-liked in the command and known as a problem solver. On April 2, he was meritoriously promoted to sergeant for outstanding leadership and superior performance. Like Lynch, Matteoni was 22.
Lt. Col. Kyle B. Ellison, the commanding officer of 2/6, reflected on the significance of their sacrifice and the common bond between the men of his battalion.
“Sgt. Matteoni and Lance Cpl. Lynch were patriots that paid the ultimate sacrifice to give back to a nation that had given so much to them,” said Ellison, “so that is why they did what they did and why you do what you do.”
“I think that most people can’t really fathom how willing these guys are to put their lives on the line for each other, for the people of this country, and for the expectations of the American people,” added Pitchford. “When I see that, it’s obviously moving.”
As the ceremony closed, Ellison looked forward to the fight ahead.
“--Mourn these men now in private,” said Ellison, “but when you leave the wire, remember them through your honorable actions on the battlefield.
Matteoni is survived by his wife Lindsey and his father and mother, Dennis and Angela Matteoni. His personal awards include the Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO ISAF Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Lynch is survived by his wife Tanya and his father and mother, James and Tammy Lynch. His personal awards include the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO ISAF Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
| Date Taken: | 10.13.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.15.2010 04:02 |
| Story ID: | 58156 |
| Location: | MARJAH, AF |
| Web Views: | 1,166 |
| Downloads: | 9 |
This work, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines honors Marines, hardens resolve, by GySgt Jesse Stence, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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