Greenhill Marine makes ultimate sacrifice for his country

GREENHILL -- The impact of the war in Iraq was felt in the Greenhill community Feb. 19 with the death of U.S. Marine Cpl. Matthew Conley. His family and friends are still trying to deal with the loss.

The 21-year-old Conley was killed while serving his country in Iraq.

He was buried Feb. 26 with full military honors, with more than 1,000 in attendance. Ironically, he would have celebrated his 22nd birthday that day.

It was a solemn moment in the Shoals history, one that won't be forgotten for many who felt the emotion associated with the man's death and his family's effort to deal with their loss.

The tragic event was selected by the TimesDaily newsroom staff as the No. 2 story of the year.

"The holidays were hard, very hard,'' said Conley's father, Tommy Conley. "But we've got family backing and supporting us, and a lot of people praying for us. That really has helped.

"If it wasn't for our faith and belief, I don't know how we would have made it.''

Matthew Conley, a 2002 Rogers High School graduate, was a squad leader assigned to the First Marine Division. His unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division in Iraq.

Family members said Conley and other members of his squad were killed when an improvised exploding device detonated near their Humvee. The squad was on security patrol in the province of Al-Anbar at the time.

Conley, a Greenhill native, was a passenger in the vehicle and was training another soldier who was to take his place when he returned home.

Conley left for his mission in Iraq on Labor Day 2005 and was scheduled to end his tour in Iraq on March 6, just 15 days after his death. He was supposed to be at home by March 22.

His family was already planning a huge celebration for his return. Added to the celebration was to be a birthday party for him as well as a baby shower for him and his wife, Nicole, who was expecting their first child in March.

Catherine Mattison Conley was born 25 days after her father's death.

"Christmas was tough,'' said Nicole Conley. "We spent most of the holiday weekend with (Matt's) parents and with his grandparents.

"Catherine is nine months old now and she's a special gift that helps me get through the tough times.''

Tommy Conley said he sees his son when he looks at his granddaughter.

"She has his eyes,'' Tommy Conley said. "If not for Catherine, all we would have is memories (of Matt). But with her, he's still with us.

"I can't wait until she gets old enough to tell her a lot about her father.''

In an effort to honor her husband, Nicole Conley has started the Matthew Conley Scholarship Fund, which will go to a qualified graduating senior at Rogers High School.

Nicole Conley said it's her hope that the fund will soon have enough money to provide two scholarships -- one for a female and one for a male.

The scholarship recipient must have a 3.0 grade point average, be involved in school programs and demonstrate leadership ability.

Matthew Conley participated in various sports at Rogers.

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