Army Cpl. Matthew K.S. Swanson
Death: Aug 08, 2009
of Lake Forest Calif.; assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) Fort Drum N.Y.; Died Aug. 8 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda Md. of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover July 19 in Logar Province Afghanistan. Sister remembers surprise gift from the war zone The Associated Press Matthew Swanson was a beloved brother who once brought home a flower he picked on an Afghanistan mountain for his older sister. “Over the past 20 years I don’t think he has ever given me such a beautiful gift” said his sister Traci. “It gave me validation that he was thinking of me while he was out there.” Swanson20 of Lake Forest Calif. Died Aug. 8 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda Md. He had suffered injuries in a vehicle rollover July 19 in Logar province Afghanistan. He was based at Fort Drum N.Y. Swanson joined the Army in October 2007. “Matthew was a solider a hero a friend a brother” his sister said. “His charisma bravery passion will always be remembered.” His closest friends said at his service that they also fondly would remember his pranks and the music he played on his guitar. He is survived by his parents and sister. “He always wanted a job where he was making a difference” Swanson’s father Jeff said. “He’s a hero in more ways than one.”Operation Enduring Freedom