Matthew A. Webber
Sergeant, United States Army
October 30, 1982 – April 27, 2006
Age – 23
Kalamazoo, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Michigan Army National Guard, Saginaw, MI
Died of injuries sustained November 21, 2005, when an improvised explosive device detained near his Humvee during
SGT Matt Webber was a college student at Western Michigan University, and a member Sigma Phi Epsilon, but not your typical frat boy. There wasn’t anyone who disliked him. He was a hard worker, pulling down a successful job at Circuit City, full time class schedule and still volunteered and was active on campus in his down time. He was a great friend and the life of the party. Webber was president of the student council, a National Honor Society member and a three-sport athlete who was liked by everyone.
Army Sgt. Matthew Webber joined the National Guard to earn money to attend Western Michigan University, never expecting to see active duty. But when the war against Iraq started, Webber took responsibility and went into combat.
On November 21, 2005 SGT Webber was injured when his Humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device. He received severe burns to 60 percent of his body from the blast in Iraq. Most of Webber’s body was burned, including his lungs and trachea. He died of complications from wounds he received. Webber, who served in the 125th Infantry Regiment in Saginaw, was sent to Brooke Medical Center for treatment. Yet he fought for months at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston.
Jayne Deboer, Matt’s mother spent more than five months at his side at the Texas hospital. When he made it back to the states, Jayne was gone the next day to be by his side in Texas. She stayed there for five-and-a-half months straight while he tried to heal. …his injuries were pretty severe and, in the end, they got the best of him.
He fought hard for his country and his life and that makes him a hero.
Jayne Deboer said her son was a natural leader and would often use humor to get his point across.
He was remembered by a fellow soldier as follows:
I had the honor of knowing Sgt Matthew Webber as he was my first team leader as I started my career in the army in the Michigan national guard. You were a great inspiration and taught me so much before I transferred down to the Louisiana national guard. Sgt Webber I thank you for everything you have done for me. And have been in 3 different deployments since your sacrifice fighting for a great NCO and a great mentor. You will never be forgotten and prayers still continue to go out to your family.”
Spc. Parish of Alexandria, Louisiana