Our family met the Vandegrift family when they came to be a part of our church in Lakewood, CO. (2002) We had an immediate bond with them since they were Texans! We met Matthew when he came home to visit from A&M. Our first impression was how handsome he was and how cool that he was an Aggie!!! Our son, Joshua, was an Aggie at that time also.
Through the years our family has quickly grown to love the whole family as part of our family. When we moved back to San Antonio in 2005, Barrett was stationed here and we were blessed to have him join our church. During that time Matthew came to visit us and we had so much fun! He loved playing with our dogs and ofcourse eating homecooked food.
A few weeks ago Chuck (my husband), Amy and Brad, and myself flew to Colorado when Matthew was home. It was such a time we had with the Vandegrifts at the Texas Road House in Littleton. I especially enjoyed seeing the interactions between Matthew, Barrett and the parents. They are the most precious and loving family! (and funny!) That Sunday morning before the boys were to leave the next day, I was honored to sit next to Matthew in church. I saw him with his Bible and I remember the pastor saying a special prayer for Matthew, Barrett, and all of our military. I did not know that it would be my last time to see him on this earth.
The days ahead will be sad, but as Christians we look forward to one day reuniting with Matthew in heaven. Our prayer is that others will come to know the Lord even through this time of sorrow. God's grace is sufficient and He is the God of all Comfort!
Matthew, we love you and miss you more than words can express. Thank you for serving and protecting our country and being our hero!

Rebecca Humbert
San Antonio, TX

Matt was a joyful and quality individual with a bright future. I am honored to have known him. I wish the Vandegrift family all the best, they should be very proud. The Aggie Nation lost a great one with his passing.

I knew Matt as "Vandy", and I knew him as a great person, always with something clever to say. My heart aches for him, and for his family and friends. I can't think of a more honorable way to enter heaven than the way Vandy has. I am truly honored to say that I know him. God bless you, Vandy.

I knew Matt as one of my brothers little fish in the corp. He was such a great guy, and always had a smile on his face. As school went on I got to know Matt a little better and he was such a great person to have around. My thoughts and prayer are with the family. We will miss you Matt.