Spec. Matthew M. Murchison of Independence, Mo., attended schools in the Blue Valley School District until 1995 when his family moved to the Olathe, Kansas area where he continued his schooling. He attended Indian Creek Elementary School, Pioneer Trail Middle School and graduated from Olathe East High School in 2004. At Pioneer Trail and Olathe East Matt was active in football, wrestling, and mischief. Matt's ambition all through high school was to join the military and to eventually become a policeman. In September 2005 Matt enlisted in the United States Army and went through basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and deployed to Iraq in Nov 2006. He was last home in April 2007 visiting friends and relatives. His maternal grandmother, Jane Perry was dying of cancer in Florida and Matt was able to visit her for the last time. She died June 6, 2007. Matt received the following honors posthumously: the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge. Matthew is preceded in death by his grandparents Robert Murchison, Gordon Schanck and Jane Perry. He died in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device at age 21.

Army
127th Military Police Company
720th Military Police Battalion
89th Military Police Brigade
Hanau, Germany∼

IRAQ WAR PERIOD

KILLED IN ACTION

BRONZE STAR MEDAL

PURPLE HEART

DECORATIONS

US ARMY, SPC

SERVICE BRANCH, RANK

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Matthew Michael Murchison, 21, son of Michael Murchison of Independence, Mo., and Deborah and William Shanahan of Kansas City, Mo., was killed in action on August 4th, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. Matthew was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on October 11, 1985. Matt's family lived in the Hutchinson area until 1990. In 1990 Matt's family moved to the Stanley, Kansas area. Matt attended schools in the Blue Valley School District until 1995 when Matt's family moved to the Olathe, Kansas area where he continued his schooling. Matt attended Indian Creek Elementary School, Pioneer Trail Middle School and graduated from Olathe East High School in 2004. At Pioneer Trail and Olathe East Matt was active in football, wrestling, and mischief. Matt's ambition all through high school was to join the military and to eventually become a policeman. Matt was always loyal to his friends and would do anything he had to do in their time of need. In September 2005 Matt enlisted in the U.S. Army. Matt went through basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and was then stationed in Hanau, Germany from March 2006 until November 2006. In November 2006 Matt was deployed to Iraq as a military policeman in the 127th MP Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade. In April 2007 Matt came home on R & R and was able to see many of his friends and relatives. Matt's maternal grandmother (Jane Perry) was dying of cancer in Florida and Matt was able to visit her for the last time. Jane Perry died June 6, 2007. She was so very proud of her Grandson Matthew and felt like she was letting him down by not being able to live until he returned from Iraq. Little did we know she was clearing a place in heaven for him with God. Matt was killed at 2248-hrs Baghdad time on August 4, 2007 by an IED explosion. Two of Matt's best friends were with him and were injured. The family feels comfort to know that Matt was doing what he wanted and was with friends. We are also concerned for his injured friends and hope God helps them to find peace and recover from their wounds. Matt will receive the following honors posthumously: the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and was promoted to the rank of Specialist. Matthew is preceded in death by his grandparents Robert Murchison, Gordon Schanck and Jane Perry. Other than his parents, Matt is survived by his loving sister Melissa of Overland Park, Kan. Matt's paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs Rayburn Wikle of Sabetha, Kan. His maternal grandparents are Ralph Perry of Leesburg, Florida, and Audrey Schanck of Kansas City, Mo. Matt is survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 12, 2007, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m., and the funeral services will Monday, August 13, 2007, at 10 a.m., at the D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66210. While at the visitation, please take a moment to visit the Enduring Memories Booth to leave a personal remembrance of Matt that the family will cherish for years to come. A full military burial will immediately follow at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas. Honorary Pallbearers are Jason Linder, Kenneth Ogalvie, SPC Jason Strickland, SPC Joseph Moors, Sgt. Eric Wilkerson, and David Bellis. The family asks that donations be made in SPC Matthew Murchison's name to www.fisherhouse.org. A memorial website has been made by Matt's sister Melissa in Matthew's honor, please view and leave stories and memories that you may have of Matthew. www.matthew-murchison.memoryof.com (Arr.: DW Newcomer's Sons, 913-451-1860)