[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 131 (Wednesday, August 2, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4706-S4707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Corporal Matthew Alexander

  Madam President, today, I recall the life and the service of Army CPL 
Matthew Alexander, a native of Gretna, NE.
  Matthew was drawn to the military at a young age. His parents Mel and 
Monica and brother Marshall described him as always eager to be part of 
a team. He practiced martial arts, played the piano, and participated 
in band as a kid. As a member of the Gretna High School band, Matthew 
helped to organize the uniforms and shoes before concerts to ensure 
that all of the band members were ready to perform. He helped his band 
mates play at their best, and his caring and compassionate nature stood 
out among his classmates.
  Matthew and his wife Kara had been friends since childhood. Kara 
described the teenage Matthew as somebody who could not sit still and 
who loved to learn. He took a keen interest in history and English 
classes in high school. He was also comfortable in talking with anyone 
and often referred to the mothers of his friends as ``Mom.'' Kara 
recalled how Matthew always had a grin or a smile on his face. Matthew 
also loved his church youth group, and he embraced his Lord and Savior, 
Jesus Christ.
  Matthew always wanted to be a soldier, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks 
further solidified his desire to defend his country. He enlisted in the 
Army shortly before graduating from Gretna High School in May of 2004, 
and he shipped off to basic training that summer.
  After he finished training, Matthew attended the Advanced Individual 
Training to become an infantry soldier. This was the first step toward 
his dream of joining the Army Special Forces. He was assigned to the 
5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Division, 2nd 
Infantry Division, and like both of his grandfathers, Corporal 
Alexander was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington State.
  When he first arrived, his unit had just returned to Fort Lewis from 
a deployment. Matthew had to wait until the next deployment cycle to go 
overseas. He did not like that delay. As a brave soldier, eager to 
defend his country, Matthew wanted to be in the fight. Several months 
later, Matthew's unit deployed to Mosul, Iraq. They assisted with the 
training of the Iraqi militia.
  From the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Mosul has been the 
center of battle. The fighting escalated in 2006 during the Sunni 
awakening. During the training of Iraqi forces and while conducting 
combat patrols, troops in Mosul encountered enemy attacks on a daily 
basis.
  Matthew returned home on leave in February of 2007, and he proposed 
to Kara. They were married 2 weeks later, on February 14, Valentine's 
Day. Regarding their very short engagement, Kara simply explained that 
Matthew felt strongly about being married before he returned to combat.
  When Matthew returned to Iraq, he learned that his unit had moved to 
Baqubah. The Battle of Baqubah began in March. The enemy used hit-and-
run tactics to harass Allied forces that were trying to control the 
city. During April and May, the fighting intensified, and casualties 
were high. Some likened the fierce fight to the close quarters of the 
combat of Vietnam.
  It was in this heat of battle that CPL Alexander showed heroism and 
leadership when an IED hit a Bradley Fighting Vehicle on one of his 
missions. As Matthew's section rushed to the burning Bradley, the other 
vehicle commander told him to block off the southern approach and 
prevent the enemy from attacking up the road. While the Bradley 
continued to burn and take machine gun fire, Matthew acted without 
further instructions, and he saved lives. He set up his vehicle to 
prevent the attacking enemy forces from shooting accurate fire into 
those helping with that rescue operation. For his valor, Matthew 
received the Army Commendation Medal.

  One of the members of Matthew's platoon, SSG Mark Grover, remembered 
Matthew feeling surprised to have been recommended for the honor. He 
said that he was just doing the right thing to protect his fellow 
soldiers.
  Days before a mission on Sunday, May 6, Matthew called home to talk 
to his mother Monica and to Kara. Tragically, this was the last time he 
spoke to loved ones. While on the mission, an improvised explosive 
device detonated near his vehicle, killing him instantly.
  Corporal Alexander was laid to rest on May 18, 2007, in a rural 
cemetery between Gretna and Elkhorn, NE. Hundreds of Patriot Guard 
riders led the funeral procession and over 1,500 people filled Gretna 
High School to say their final goodbyes. Staff Sergeant Grover traveled 
to Gretna to represent the

[[Page S4707]]

Third Platoon, nicknamed the ``Gladiators,'' at the service. Grover was 
riding in the armored vehicle just in front of the one carrying Matthew 
at the time of the explosion. He said that the entire company loved 
Matthew and that he was one of the best soldiers in the platoon.
  To honor Matthew's life, his family established Matt's Music 
Memorial. The charity helps children interested in music but who can't 
afford an instrument, and they receive one from the local community. As 
Matthew's father Mel put it, Matthew had two passions: music and the 
military. However, you didn't need money to join the military.
  CPL Matthew Alexander is truly a hero. He served with great 
compassion and respect.
  I join Nebraskans and Americans across our country in saluting his 
willingness and his family's sacrifice to keep us free, and I am 
honored to tell his story.
  Thank you, Madam President.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.