'America's finest'

GREENHILL -- Cpl. Matthew Conley would have turned 22 years old Sunday, but instead of a birthday party, more than 1,200 people came to Rogers High School gym to celebrate his life and pay respects to a "fallen hero.''

"He was a special individual. He would have given his life for each and every one of us, and that's what he did,'' said Conley's cousin Michael Noe. "(Matt) was my cousin, but he was my best friend. He was my hero, and I hope one day I could be half the man he was.''

Conley was killed Feb. 25, local time, while on security patrol in the province of Al-Anbar, when an improvised exploding device detonated near the Humvee in which he was a passenger.

The 2002 Rogers graduate was stationed in Ramadi, Iraq. He was a squad leader assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. His unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force in Ramadi, Iraq.

Conley's former basketball coach and teacher, Lee Walker, said it was an honor to talk about a "great individual.''

Walker called Conley a true American hero.

He said his former student had all the qualities that make up heroes.

"From the first time I saw him on the basketball court, I knew he was truly special,'' Walker said. "I've always heard the old saying, 'it's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.' That's summed up Matt.

"We are reaping the rewards of freedom because of this young man.''

Conley had been in Iraq since September 2005 and was scheduled to leave March 6. He and his wife, Nicole, are expecting their first child, a daughter, March 25.

Conley was buried Sunday in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens in Florence with full military honors.

The crowd in Rogers stood to their feet as U.S. Marine pallbearers escorted Conley's American flag-draped coffin into the gym and members of the University of North Alabama concert band played a drum roll. Many of the veterans in the audience saluted as the casket went by, with the fallen soldier's family following.

Noe, who gave a brief eulogy, said he had talked with his cousin after he arrived in Iraq.

"He understood the risks, and he said he had no regrets because (joining the military) was his choice,'' Noe told the audience.

Pastor Al Geise, who conducted the funeral service, said he had talked with Nicole Conley about her husband and the plans they had for their future.

"She told me how Matt was looking forward to being at home and to be a dad,'' Geise said. "He was excited about having a daughter -- Catherine Mattison. (Nicole) said now all the plans will be just memories. But I told her, they will be precious memories.

"I believe God gives us gifts throughout our life. One blessing we all got was Matthew Conley.''

Walker told Conley's wife and family that he could only hope that one day his own son "grows up to be half the man Matthew was.''

"Matt was protecting things that we all take for granted. His memory will never be finished.''

After the funeral service, more than 500 attended Conley's burial service.

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard closed the burial service with a 21-gun salute, the playing of "Taps" and the folding of the flag that had covered Conley's coffin.

Moments after a Marine bowed and handed the folded flag to Conley's widow, the family opened a basket and released 21 white doves. They flew in a circle around the cemetery before flying away.

"Matt was known as a Marine's Marine,'' Geise said. "He excelled and showed exceptional leadership. Matt's life made a difference. No one simply joins the Marines. Matt earned the right to be called a Marine.''

Geise said Conley paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

"Matthew Conley wanted to serve his country. He was truly America's finest.''

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.