Age: 34

Hometown: Lewisville, TX

Corps Outfit: L-1

Military Unit: B Company, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)

Major Matthew Wade Worrell was killed May 14, 2006 when his AH-6M Helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during combat operations in Yusifiyah, south of Baghdad, Iraq.

Matt, the son of Pat and Dora Worrell, was born April 4, 1972 in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Lewisville High School in 1990 and then attended Texas A&M University in College Station where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. During his college years Matt participated in many student activities including Aggie Bonfire and Parsons Mounted Cavalry. In 1995 he graduated and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army. His commissioning officer was his proud grandfather, Major (Ret) Jack M. Sherman. The same year Matt married the love of his life, Camille McNeese of Houston, and they began a life of service to their country.

Upon graduation from flight school in 1997 Matt reported to Fort Hood, Texas where he served with the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. In 2001 he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he served as Commander for A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment. In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 2/17 CAV, he participated in the liberation of Iraqi cities: An-Najaf, Karbala, Al-Hillah, and Baghdad. In 2003 Matt was accepted to the Armys elite helicopter unit, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment known as the Night Stalkers. He proudly served as a platoon leader with the 160ths B Company, the Six Guns, until he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. Matt was a dedicated soldier, never doubting his mission. He was proud to serve his country and will be remembered by his family and friends as a true Hero. In addition to his many awards and decorations he was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Silver Star.

Matts service to country was surpassed only by his devotion to family. A loving father he delighted in teaching his two sons, Jake and Luke, to play baseball and soccer. He and Camille enjoyed many family outings with their numerous friends. A good neighbor and friend, he was always eager to help and enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends and fellow soldiers. Matt, affectionately known as Bubba, particularly looked forward to holidays taking special pleasure in watching his boys play with their cousins.

Major Matthew Bubba Worrell will be forever loved by his family and friends, his sacrifice long remembered by a grateful nation.

Night Stalkers Dont Quit.

Six Guns Dont Miss.

Source: Obituary Notice

Citation to Accompany the Award of the Silver Star:

FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION ON 14 MAY 2006, WHILE SERVING AS AN AH-6 PILOT OPERATING AGAINST AN ENTRENCHED ENEMY FORCE DURING A DAYLIGHT RAID IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. MAJOR WORRELLCONTINUED TO MAKE SUCCESSIVE ASSAULTS IN SUPPORT OF THE GROUND FORCES, WITHOUT REGARD FOR HIS OWN PERSONAL SAFETY, UNTIL HIS AIRCRAFT WAS SHOT DOWN. HIS ACTIONS DESTROYED SEVERAL ENEMY POSITIONS, ENABLING THE GROUND FORCES TO CONSOLIDATE INTO DEFENSIVE POSITIONS. WITHOUT MAJOR WORRELL'S COURAGE AND GALLANTRY UNDER HOSTILE FIRE, THE GROUND FORCES WOULD HAVE SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT CASUALTIES. HE DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESSFUL EXECUTION OF THIS DIRECT ACTION MISSION. MAJOR WORRELL'S DISTINCTIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE FINEST TRADITIONS OF MILITARY SERVICE AND REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, THIS COMMAND, AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

Messages:

10 July 2006

I've only met Matt Worrell a couple of times, but the impressions he left with me willstay with me for all time. He was blessed byGod, that was obvious. From him came warmth, caring, intelligence, wit, humor, courage, strength, diligence, and patience. If a person's wealth is measured by the content of his character then Matt was the richest man on earth. Everyonce in awhile God will bless us with someone so special that everyone who comes in contact with this person will be blessed to have known them. Matt was one of these specially blessed people and I am blessed to have known him.

Nancy Breshears - Carrollton, TX

30 May 2007

A custom-made McClellan saddle (created by veteran saddle-maker, Sean Pascuzzi) was presented to Parsons Mounted Cavalry during Parents Weekend 2007 by Dr. and Mrs. John Focke III '69 in Major Worrell's honor and memory.

Mike Caudle

14 July 2007

Matt I miss you! In your honor I formed GuideOn.org to help with the children of the fallen. I will do my best to look after your boys. They bless my heart.

James Clark

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