Tributes to fallen soldier continue

Friday, February 9, 2007
Sgt. Randy J. Matheny

On Thursday, Feb. 8, the 1074th Transportation Co. of the Nebraska Army National Guard said "goodbye" to one if its own, killed by an explosive in Baghdad, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spec. Randy J. Matheny, of McCook, died Feb. 4, when an improvised explosive device detonated next to the armored security vehicle in which he served as a gunner.

The Nebraska Army National Guard, which Matheny joined on March 28, 2005, has posthumously promoted Matheny to the rank of sergeant.

Matheny is the son of Jan Collins and Gary Matheny of McCook. His brother, Paul, and sister, Karen, are both members of the U.S. military.

SPC Katrina Fisher of the 1074th Transportation Co. wrote in an e-mail Thursday: "I write this because today, my company, the 1074th TC "Outlaws," will say goodbye, to SGT Matheny.  He was here in Iraq, serving for a cause and a reason ... and I pray that people at home see and realize that reason.  I wish I could say that I really knew him, but I can't, because I didn't.  That doesn't mean that I don't care, because when I look down at my left shoulder I see a patch. This patch is the Nebraska patch."

Fisher continues, "I hear sniffles in the crowd, because we lost one of us, and we all know that this may happen again. Those are the hardest words to ever say, but I know that as a whole, we will prevail."

Fisher continues, "I wish I could change everything for his (Matheny's) family, and could say that we all are OK.  I can't.  What I can say is that this has brought a close unit, closer.  When times get tough for us, we lean on each other, and we pull each other along. 

"I also hope when this letter is passed on that people aren't more frustrated with how the war is going, because this isn't about war.  This is about the ones that fall. This is about the fallen soldiers from past to present. Heroes fall for lives to be lived. Thank you, and God Bless you all."

Sgt. Jeromy Beebe, also of McCook, wrote this from Cop Rawah, Iraq: "I just want to send my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Sgt. Randy Matheny.  I never knew him personally but it still hurts knowing a fellow comrade has fallen and so close to home. Please send my regards to the Matheny's.  We will never forget his sacrifice and courage.  God Bless Sgt. Matheny, his family and the U.S.A."

Beebe is the son of Sue and Jim Beebe of McCook.

Sean Cappel, a very close friend of Matheny as they grew up in McCook and the son of Debra and Rich Cappel of McCook, shared these thoughts:

"Monday Feb. 5, 2007 was a body-numbing day in my life. I received the unbelievable -- unwanted news that my best friend, basically my brother, was killed serving his country in Iraq.

"Randy Jay Matheny was one of my closest friends for the past 16 years of my life. He was there every step of my childhood memories and throughout high school. We shared all the great loves of life.

"It started in the early days having a great friend to walk home with after school every day and then go to our friend Matt's house and see what childhood mischief we could arise.

"We had the same love of riding our BMX bikes around McCook finding whatever we could use to make a ramp out of. We would get bumps and bruises all over our bodies, only to continue our love for our bikes onto the next days.

"We had a close-knit circle of friends, what I like to call 'The Crew,' and Randy was one of the leaders in our circle of fun, trust, and friendship.

"Randy was another son of my family. My parents cherished the moments they got to spend with Randy and me, cooking us dinner, talking about our lives, and just relaxing and having a good time.

"My parents recently spoke through tears and sobs and laughter about Randy's life and how it touched theirs. They were so proud of him when he joined the military, knowing he was doing something great for himself and his country.

"My parents proudly displayed his military photo at their business for all to see after he left for boot camp. The picture will remain for all to cherish. Randy's death was losing a son to my family.

"If you wanted a meet someone that could make friends with everyone, make anyone laugh, and always be there for his friends, Randy was the guy to have in your life. My friendship with Randy clicked on numerous levels throughout high school. We had always dreamed of owning our own motorcycles after graduation and both had accomplished that, sharing a love for the excitement of being on two wheels.

"Randy and I spent countless hours perfecting the looks of our cars and our motorcycles which we were very proud of. Simple times like these are what I remember and cherish the most.

"Randy had a laugh and smile that will remain in my head as unique and electrifying.

"There was one thing in Randy's life that he could not live without. Music to Randy was a way to forget our troubles and just relax. I am pleased to have spent many nights cruising the streets of McCook listening to music with Randy, just relaxing and having a good time. Randy's inspiration for music was more than most, causing him to become an aspiring bass guitarist.

"Friendship between males can sometimes be difficult to show love for one another. It wasn't until I heard the news of Randy being sent over to Iraq that I realized how much I cared for the guy and needed him in my life. Every chance I got to speak to Randy while he was on tour in Iraq, I told him how I could not wait to have him back in the States enjoying our favorite pastimes.

"Randy had a brotherhood with many friends on the unspoken level. We all cared for each other as family, even though we didn't always emotionally show our love for one another.

"Ever since attaining my pilot's licenses, I had promised Randy a meaningful flight, and tearfully, I physically will never get this chance. The next time I will be in the air, I know you be with me sitting right next to me, with your electrifying smile and glow, sharing again one of the same loves in life.

"The biggest love of my life is family and friendship. Randy serves as a symbol to all that is family and friendship. You will never be forgotten. Ever. I know you had the time of your life... I was there to have it with you.

"Randy, I love you, Bro.

R.I.P. Randy J. Matheny"

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  • When I think of Randy, many thought come to mind; friend, brother, solider. I was deployed with the USS Nitze off the coast of Africa when I receieved the news of his death. I sometimes hold regret, because I wish there was something I could have to protect him. I recently got his name tattooed on my leg and I will treasure that along with the a copy of his dog tags that his finacee made for all the honorary paul bearers. I still go online and read arictles and I read comments from everyone who knew him to people who were just paying there respects. When randy died, part of me died because he gave me the motivation and the strength to keep going with the Navy when I wanted to quit. The last thing he said to me was that we are finally making it. To my brother, I love you Randy and no matter what happens I will do everything in my power to keep your memory alive and make you proud. I love you always bro.

    R.I.P Randy J Matheny

    -- Posted by SN Vontz on Sun, Nov 18, 2007, at 9:17 AM
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