"To Serve a Cause Greater Then Myself" are the words etched on Matthew's gravestone. Profound words shared by a profound young man. Matthew's zest for life was to apply a few valued lessons handed down to him. The first to know and respect "that to whom much is given much is expected" and second that whenever the opportunity availed itself "to take his eyes off of himself and to put them on to others." If Matthew were here today he would tell others to always strive to reach your mountain top and always do your best.

As Matthew pursued his karate training and competition goals a catastrophic event occurred in our nation, September 11, 2001. That event was just days before Matthew's 17th birthday and had a life changing impact on him and ultimately led to his decision and desire to be a difference maker and to serve his country.  In late 2003 he informed his parents of his intent to join the military. He made his final selection in February 2004 and decided to become a Combat Medic with the U.S. Army.

Reflecting back it's understandable why he may have chosen to enter military service.  He was following in the footsteps of family members who had given over 150 years of service to our great nation.  In addition, he wanted to follow in Dad’s footsteps and be assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. One of those lasting memories will be Matt’s call home in October 2004 when he said “Hey Dad, I got my Air Assault wings and now we can put ours together.” Just thirteen months later the Holley family heard the resounding sound of the doorbell at their North Idaho home.  Standing in the doorway were two military personnel delivering news no parent ever wishes to hear “The President of the United States regrets to inform you…”