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Matthew T. Abbate, 26
Marines, Sergeant
Based:
Camp Pendleton
Supporting:
Operation Enduring Freedom
Died:
December 2, 2010
Helmand province,
Afghanistan
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It's surreal. No one believed it. ... It's something that happens to other people's families. But I think he'd be glad he died instead of someone else. That's why he did what he did, so someone else didn't have to.
— Valerie Binion, 17, half-sister in Fresno Bee
Abbate was killed in combat Dec. 2 while fighting in the Taliban stronghold of Helmand province, according to military officials. Although his hometown was listed by the military as Honolulu, Abbate grew up in the Fresno area, where many members of his family still live. He attended Buchanan High for three years before graduating from Sierra Charter School in the Fresno Unified School District, according to the Fresno Bee. His death marks the eighth time a former Buchanan High student has been killed in support of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the most of any school in the state, according to data kept by The Times' California's War Dead database.
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About this project
Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org
Help us complete our database. Something missing or wrong? Want to share a photo?
Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org
Help us complete our database. Something missing or wrong? Want to share a photo?
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12 memories of Matthew T. Abbate
Matt... I miss you brother. It was an honor and privilege to serve along side you. One thing about Matt you all should know... As I was preparing for my separation from 3/5 I asked Matt to get out so we could "blaze" back home and enjoy life... He just responded by looking at me and telling me "this is for me brother"...
I love you man... I miss you even more.
will cherish every memory.
Matt although i never knew you, we are very proud of you. by protecting our freedom. thank you brother. you will be miss.
My hats off to you and all of those fallen soldiers friends family and loved ones Jesus loves you. So do i.
Matthew, although I never knew you, my hat goes off to you for your sacrafice, with your dedication to duty you protected us all back here in the states, thank you. Semper Fi
Cpl. Sullivan. USMC - 91-95
A song of hope and comfort:
He Will Call (Song 111)
(Job 14:13-15)
1. Life, like a mist, appears for just a day,
Then disappears tomorrow.
All that we are can quickly fade away,
Replaced with tears and sorrow.
If a man should die, can he live again?
Hear the promise God has made:
(Chorus)
2. Friends of our God, though they may pass away,
Will never be forsaken.
All those asleep who in God’s mem’ry stay,
From death he will awaken.
Then we’ll come to see all that life can be:
Paradise eternally.
(CHORUS)
He will call; The dead will answer.
They shall live at his command.
For he will have a longing
For the work of his own hand.
So have faith, and do not wonder,
For our God can make us stand.
And we shall live forever,
As the work of his own hand.
( John 6:40; 11:11, 43; Jas. 4:14.)
I was close friends with Matt while attending Buchanan and even graduated with him in 2002 @ Sierra Charter. He was an awesome guy and he is missed by SO many people. It's amazing how bullets can put holes through the lives of so many peoples' hearts.
Tango Down... (You knew)
You are still missed brother
THANK YOU!!!!!!! For your sacrifice it is greatly appreciated. There is a hope for a future where young men like yourself will not have to die in the wares of the world. ISAIAH 2:4 And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore......
I knew Matt since 2008 when he won the gung ho award at squad leaders course. That's just how he was, all or nothing. I feel lucky to have known and fought with a warrior as fierce as Matt, his courage was infectious. Matt and his team saved my ass, I will always be thankful. Just blaze.
Wow my jaw just dropped! I remember goofin around in science class(buchanan) with you bro. Will never forget you!!!
as the casualty evacuation helicopter landed on october 14 2011 in Sangin afghanistan it began to take fire. realizing the threat of the situation he knew he had to run out and "BLAZE" to prevent them shooting the "bird" down..he looked at the marines next to him who were covering due to the heavy amount of incoming fire and seeing the fear in their eyes because they knew what had to be done as well, he looked at the Lcpls to his left and right and yelled "WE ALL DIE TOGETHER!!" as he lead the charge toward several taliban fighters.
legendary!
ill never witness anything else more motivating then that!!
Thank you for what you gave this country...Your service will not be forgotten.
-Jeremy Abbate
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