Bakersfield.com

All > The war in Iraq
remembering Those Who Serve
Topics: bakersfield, Military, soldiers, Iraq, afghanistan
Posted by brianitos Fri Dec 14, 2007 11:38:27 PST
Viewed 711 times
0 responses 1 comment

Hello to all,

Our son Matthew has been deployed to Iraq from fall 2007 until spring 2009.  He was deployed fall 2006 until late spring 2007 in Afghanistan.  Matthew like so many other men and women missed being home with their families during Christmas and Thanksgiving 2006. Matthew will also be missing 2007, 2008 Christmas and Thanksgiving with us as he is serving now in Iraq. Matthew is currently assigned to the 10^th Mountain Division, 4^th Brigade, C-2/30 CBT( Combat Team) stationed out of Fort Polk, La.   

Matthew’s long time childhood friend, who is also in the United States Army serving in Iraq with a different unit, was on leave this past summer and he visited us. During the visit he explained he was having a really bad day in Iraq.  He went on to say at the end of the day he had received letters from some elementary school kids in Tehachapi.  He remembers all his problems of the day melted away as he read the letters touching his heart. He said it was such a morale booster to him and those around him that others were still thinking of them especially the young kids.  I could see in his eyes and hear in his voice as he told my wife Laura and I, that receiving these letters still left a deep impression on his heart.

 I am asking you to remember my son and the many others. Would you consider writing my son Matthew an encouraging note in your spare time. We received a phone call from Matthew this Thursday 12/13/07 morning at 230am telling us his new address and he had been airlifted to where he will be living at F.O.B.(Forward Operating Base) Rustamiyah, Iraq. Matthew sounded good only complaining of how bad it smelled in Iraq. How is missed and loved us all.  My wife Laura and I continue to pray for Matthew’s and the others serving, for their safe return and that he may fix his eyes upon Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

Respectfully,

Brian & Laura Wilcox

Tehachapi, CA.

If you do decide to write to Matthew here is his address exactly as he indicated.

SPC Matthew McCool

HHC 2/30 INS. 4^TH BDE 10^TH MTN DIV

UNIT #41542

F.O.B. RUSTAMIYAH

APO, AE 09390-1542

Send to a Friend

Report a Violation

Comment From: brianitos

I must thank everyone who has been writing my son. He had returned from a mission and had received over 50 letters already and was ecstatic. Here is a few emails from Matthew.

Date: Dec 20, 2007 8:16 AM
Hey guys, Im doing good over here and I cant wait to get that package, I miss you guys so much I cant even tell you! I Things are going well, I went to my buddies memorial service yesterday... that was sad, everyone was cryin... But were doing better now, I miss yall and I love you sooo much, bye for now!
Your boy- Matt

Dec 21, 2007 1:21 AM

Thanks for everything dad, I love you guys so much I dont know what I would do without you... tell everyone that I love them more than anything, and share with them my battle prayer, its jonah chapter 2... Its totally apllicable... Ok I gotta go for now, but I love you guys alot, merry christmas in case I dont get a chance to say it later!

Love your son- Matt

Dec 21, 2007 7:27 AM

Hi Dad, I got your packages today, thanks alot! I cant talk long cuz I gotta sleep, I have a mission tomorrow! I love you all!