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2nd Battalion, 6th Marines Honors Marines, Hardens Resolve
(October 18, 2010) |
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Sgt. Anthony D. Matteoni
Scott A. Lynch |
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MARJAH, Afghanistan (Oct. 13, 2010) -- If
only Lance Cpl. Scott A. Lynch and Sgt. Anthony D. Matteoni
could have heard what their brothers said. Or maybe Lynch,
the clever rifleman, and Matteoni, the gregarious machine
gunner, were gazing down on their memorial ceremony --
possibly saying a prayer for their brothers in 2nd
Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.
Speculation aside, at least two things can be said of the
memorial in Marjah, Oct. 13; the men of 2/6 took a moment to
shed tears but left with the resolve to fight in the honor
and memory of their fallen comrades.
Lynch, from Greenwood Lake, N.Y., is remembered as a quiet
but active Marine, said Maj. Richard Pitchford, the
executive officer with 2/6. A scout sniper, Lynch enjoyed
mental challenges, like his Rubik's cube, and physical
challenges. His friends recalled his last workout – him
jumping off the pull-up bar and striking a double-bicep
front pose after setting a personal record of 30 pull-ups.
He was 22.
Matteoni, from Union City, Mich., was more of the outgoing
type, Pitchford said. He was well-liked in the command and
known as a problem solver. On April 2, he was meritoriously
promoted to sergeant for outstanding leadership and superior
performance. Like Lynch, Matteoni was 22.
Lt. Col. Kyle B. Ellison, the commanding officer of 2/6,
reflected on the significance of their sacrifice and the
common bond between the men of his battalion.
“Sgt. Matteoni and Lance Cpl. Lynch were patriots that paid
the ultimate sacrifice to give back to a nation that had
given so much to them,” said Ellison, “so that is why they
did what they did and why you do what you do.”
“I think that most people can't really fathom how willing
these guys are to put their lives on
the line for each other, for the people of this country, and
for the expectations of the |
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American people,” added Pitchford.
“When I see that, it's obviously moving.” |
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As the ceremony closed, Ellison looked forward
to the fight ahead.
“--Mourn these men now in private,” said
Ellison, “but when you leave the wire, remember
them through your honorable actions on the
battlefield.
Matteoni is survived by his wife Lindsey and his
father and mother, Dennis and Angela Matteoni.
His personal awards include the Purple Heart
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global
War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan
Campaign Medal, NATO ISAF Medal, and the Combat
Action Ribbon.
Lynch is survived by his wife Tanya and his
father and mother, James and Tammy Lynch. His
personal awards include the Purple Heart,
National Defense Service Medal, Global War on
Terrorism Service |
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Marines with 2nd
Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment kneel before a
memorial display in honor of Lance Cpl. Scott A.
Lynch and Sgt. Anthony D. Matteoni, a rifleman
and a machine gunner with 2/6, during a memorial
service in Marjah, Afghanistan, Oct. 13, 2010.
Photo by USMC Cpl. Logan E. Riddle |
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Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO ISAF
Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. |
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By USMC Sgt. Jesse Stence
Regimental Combat Team 1
Copyright 2010 | |
Provided
through DVIDS
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