L/Cpl Matthew G. Reza USMC, 27, Austin, TX (Afghanistan)

[GyBill]

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Matthew G. Reza, 27, of Austin, Texas, was killed May 31 as a result of a non-hostile incident in Khandahar province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S. C.

The incident is currently under investigation.

For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the MCAS Beaufort public affairs office at (843) 228-6028.

[GyBill]

Lance Corporal Matthew Gregory Reza, age 27, died Sunday, May 31, 2009, near Khandahar province, Afghanistan, while serving his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Matthew was born on September 23, 1981, in Austin, Texas, to Richard and Sharon Reza. He attended AISD schools and Austin Community College before enlisting in the Marines in 2007. Prior to joining the Marines, Matthew had a rewarding experience working at Hope House, a residential facility for children with special needs, and often spoke about advancing his education and career in social work after his tour of duty. After meeting in San Diego, Matthew wed Sarah Benway on February 16, 2008. The newlyweds led an active life in California, North Carolina, and South Carolina until Matthew's deployment in March 2009. Matthew will be readily remembered for his engaging personality, singular independence, exceptional sense of humor, and kind heart. To many he was a loyal friend and capable mentor, proficient at handling difficult situations with either his resourceful mind or engaging smile. To older family members, Matthew was the first grandchild, an "old soul" of exceptional intelligence who often discussed topics beyond his years. His younger sister and best friend, Stephanie Peek, to whom he was fiercely devoted, especially loved him. Stephanie's "hero" was a genuinely loving person who often put her needs, and those of many others, before his. Matthew is survived by his wife, Sarah Reza of Beaufort, South Carolina; mother, Sharon Reza; sister and brother-in-law, Stephanie and Joshua Peek of Austin, Texas; father, Richard; brother, Richard (Ricky); and sister, Emily Reza of Lansing, Michigan; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins of Austin, Texas. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at Cook- Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home located at 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas, 78749. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2009, in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/ Forest Oaks. The family has established a memorial website at www.MeM. com Please visit Matthew's site to view photos, tributes, sign the online guestbook and leave voice greetings.