Community gathers to mourn Conley's death

FLORENCE -- More than 50 years separate the combat action of Matthew Conley and Ralph Dula.

Dula never met Conley, but the Korean War veteran wasn't about to miss the opportunity to pay last respects to the Marine Corps corporal, who was killed in Iraq a week ago.

Pam Adcock and Terry Smith also never met Conley, but the Madison County woman cried at the graveside of the man they call "one of our sons."

Marine Cpl. Jason Nelson certainly knew Conley. They were in the same platoon at Twenty-nine Palms, Calif.

Nelson, who is from California, said he made the trip to Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens to be with his "brother."

Florence resident Sam Landrum stood among about 150 motorcyclists who attended as a show of support for Conley's family. He said it is the very least he could do for a family that has done the very most for this country.

Dula said the response from the community in the past week has been incredible. He was pleased to see that the area still holds this type of respect and concern for members of the U.S. military.

He added that Conley obviously had the type of persona that was a perfect fit for the military.

"It looks like this man was really extra special to the community," Dula said. "He obviously had done very well in the service, because he already was a corporal, and the Marines don't promote very fast."

Dula lost many close friends in Korea, and hurts not only for Conley's family and friends, but his fellow troops.

He said he often was told not to make close friends in Korea, because they could be killed at any moment.

"But I broke that rule many times, and I still think about those who have fallen every day," Dula said. "You never get over it."

Smith and Adcock are members of "Alabama Marine Moms," a support group for mothers whose sons are in the Marines.

The group also prepares a banner and book for families of Marines who are killed. The book includes photos of the soldier and countless words of love from members of the group.

"We stay close with the families," Smith said. "We never let go."

"The Marine Corps is a brotherhood," Adcock said. "They take care of their own, and we will, too."

Adcock hugged Nelson before leaving at the conclusion of the graveside service. She told him she believes she knows his mother through online communications with the national Marine Moms organization.

"I'll e-mail her today and tell her I gave you a hug," she told him.

Nelson needed that hug, as he looked longingly toward the casket bearing Conley's body.

"He was a great guy," Nelson said. "His platoon loved him and respected him. They're taking it hard."

That feeling of kinship didn't only apply to military members and family Sunday.

Landrum was among well wishers who lined the path from Rogers High School gymnasium, where the funeral took place, to the Florence cemetery. About 1,000 mourners came to pay their respects.

Some along the path were motorcyclists who belong to various groups, such as the Patriot Riders, that attend funerals of fallen soldiers. Others were local residents who just wanted to give Conley's family some type of expression of sorrow and thankfulness.

"I'm here to support the family and the troops," Landrum said. "This family has been through a lot and gave the sacrifice of their son for our freedom."

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@timesdaily.com.