SSG. Matt Maupin remains identified in Iraq

After nearly four years of hoping, waiting and praying, the family of SSG Keith Matthew Maupin (captured by insurgents in April 2004) learned Sunday their missing son died in Iraq.

A Defense Department official also confirmed the identification, saying Maupin's remains were found last week but DNA results just came in.

Maupin, who was 20 at the time of his capture, and another soldier, Sgt. Elmer Krause, 40, were captured by insurgents April 9, 2004, after their convoy came under attack near Baghdad International Airport. A week later, Maupin was shown on a videotape, surrounded by several armed masked men.

"My name is Keith Matthew Maupin," he stated in the video. "I am a soldier from the First Division. I am married with a 10-month-old child. I came to liberate Iraq, but I did not come willingly because I wanted to stay with my child."

Krause's body was found two weeks later.

Later that summer, Al-Jazeera aired a videotape purportedly showing the execution of Maupin, but U.S. officials haven't confirmed the identity of the person on the tape.

The U.S. Army continued to promote Maupin, who was a private first class in the Army Reserves at the time of his capture, to sergeant and then staff sergeant as they searched for him.

Three U.S. troops remain missing in the five-year-old Iraq war: Pvt. Byron W. Fouty and Spc. Alex R. Jimenez have been missing since their military convoy was raided west of Mahmoudiya May 12.

Spc. Ahmed K. Altaie disappeared October 23, 2006, and his status was changed to "missing-captured" nearly two months later. (CNN)

Hat tip Texas Fred who expresses my thoughts:

Rest in Peace Matt, you served bravely and you did your duty, you’re coming home now, and your Mom and Dad can have some peace in just knowing your fate, I hate the word closure, but for lack of a better word, maybe they can finally have some closure.

All our love and sympathy to the Maupin family, and to ALL the families of our brave troops that have given their lives in the line of duty.

My name is Matt Maupin - Please remember my face

Rest in peace, SSG. Maupin. Rest in peace.

You are not forgotten.

SSG. Maupin’s family runs Operation Yellow Ribbon which does have a guest book. (Military Families Voice of Victory)

Comments

[Linda Racey]

I am so sorry for the loss of your son.I know first hand what you are going through as my ex husband is still the only POW remaining in Iraq his name is Ahmed Altaie.
May god bless your family and all your efforts for keeping your sons memory and the help you have given to others who are suffering with young ones at WAR.

[Debbie]

Chris Perry: Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I cannot even begin to know what his family and friends have gone through. But know that those of us with no physical connection to Matt, have been praying for his safety, his return, and now for God's peace for them as they finally know where Matt is.

[Chris Perry]

I had the honor of participating in the police motorcycle escort for Matt's funeral.I would like to say THANK YOU to all of the people who lined the route holding signs and flags and showing that they are PROUD TO BE AMERICANS! Every motor officer involved felt honored to be able to assist in paying tribute and respect to Matt and his loved ones! GOD BLESS MATT, THE MAUPIN FAMILY AND OUR TROOPS!

[Debbie]

Correction made.

[Grouchy]

I think he is telling you he was a staff sergeant, SSG.

Three up and one down.

[Debbie]

1SG: I'm sorry, what is it you want me to correct? Happy to make any changes that are not correct, let me know.

[1SG]

Debbie, please correct to SSG.

[Debbie]

ZEE: Yes I know what you are talking about. We were through there a good while back and the flags were amazing. I didn't realize at the time why they were there. I just thought it was an amazing thing for the community to do.

God bless the Maupin family. But even more, let's pray for three that are still missing. Their parents are still in torture waiting to hear something.

[Zee]

I live down the road from where Maupin grew up. The area is called Clermont County and as you approach that exit on the interstate, the overhead bridges are adorned with flags.A formerly rural area, now crowded with new developments and shopping, it retains it's county heart. Instead of driving through infestations of hybrids and fussy yuppies , you share the road with pick-up trucks adorned with flags. I prefer shopping in that part of cinci. It feels far more American than the wealthy enclaves of latte drinking, Target shopping socialists.

[Stormwarning]

Maupin is far from being the only soldier who has been kidnapped from the battlefield by al Qaeda. It is a problem/solution of high visibility ("nuff said").

[Mushy]

It's things like this that make me forget I'm supposed to be Christ like. Good for them I don't have HIS power!

[durano lawayan]

Hi Debbie,

So much suffering for one so young. My condolences to the family (parents, siblings, wife and child). :-( --Durano, done!

[beth]

I'm so sad for his parents. I guess we knew this would be the result of his MIA status, but its still hard to hear.

I saw his mother on TV last night saying she was just glad he was finally getting to come home.

[Aurora]

Another brave young man gone. We will remember you. God bless your family who have to live with the pain.

[Skunkfeathers]

My condolences to his family, God Rest to Matt, and to the insurgents, an expedient trip to Hell, with our military their guarantors of the journey.

[MK]

Rest in peace soldier, thanks for doing what you did, may you be with the Lord now waiting for your loved ones.

[Angel]

Rest in peace. sigh..so much pain.........

[TexasFred]

Rest in Peace SOLDIER, you are coming home now.