Feb. 26, 1984 – Feb. 18, 2006
Cpl. Matthew D. Conley
Cpl. Conley graduated from Rogers High School in 2002, where he was quarterback of the football team. His leadership abilities were apparent on the football field to those who followed his high school career.
Cpl. Matthew D. Conley was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twenty-Nine Palms, California, and attached to the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).
Cpl. Conley’s platoon leader, Gunnery Sgt. Shelby Laseter, said Conley knew the intricate streets of Ramadi like the back of his hand. Even on the darkest, most difficult nights, Conley kept his cool, never losing his bearings or sense of direction.
Cpl. Conley was killed exactly one week before his 22nd birthday when his vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. He was a passenger in the Humvee, training the Marine who would take his place when he returned home.
He was a squad leader stationed at Twentynine Palms, California, and had been in Iraq since September 2005.
His parents, Tommy and Debbie, said Matthew was proud to be a Marine and proud to serve his country.