Run To Reflect

Because the military is such an active part of my life, I wanted to take the time to remember a fallen hero with Marine Corps Monday. Marine Sergeant Anthony 'Tony' D. Matteoni, a native of Union City, Michigan, was assigned 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Divison based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina when he was tragically killed in action October 1, 2010, while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Many remember Sergeant Matteoni as an all around well rounded guy, who was a hard worker and above all a true patriot.

In February 2011, the boys of 2/6 arrived home, shy of Sergeant Matteoni. I was invited to attend a dinner in memory of Tony, when I met his wife, Lindsy, who was in the late stages of her pregnancy.  Expecting their first child, their story struck a chord with me. As I sat there at dinner, and even in the days and weeks beyond, I couldn't help but get any of it off my mind.  Here you had Sergeant Matteoni, who had dreamt his entire high school career of becoming a Marine and serving his country, and a loving wife, with the story of a beautiful dreams of a family expanding, tragically came to and end.

Shortly after Lindsy left to head back to Michigan, she gave birth to her and Tony's first and only child, Avery. I don't often keep in touch with Lindsy as she is busy making a great life and serving as a phenomenal role model to her young daughter; but I feel privileged to have met her and share in her years beyond.

On the one year anniversary of her husband's death, Lindsy put together virtual run to honor the memory of her fallen hero. The "Matteoni Mile: RUN TO REFLECT; A MILE OF MEMORY" is run held annually on October 1.  This past Sunday, April 6, would mark Sergeant Tony Matteoni's 26th Birthday. So in honor of Marine Corps Monday, a great moment of remembering the life of Sergeant Matteoni and keeping mindful of his wife Lindsy, daughter Avery.