23, of North Kingstown, R.I.; assigned to the 64th Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas; killed June 27 by small-arms fire when his convoy was attacked in Baghdad.
**
On 16 August 2015, I met with the family of fallen Maine hero – 2LT Matthew S. Coutu at the Run for the Fallen in Brunswick, Maine and the old Naval Air Station.
Matt’s father, Mike, his stepmom, Joanne and brother, Andrew had travelled from Rye Beach, NH to join in this final RFTF event to honor and sustain the memory of their loved one, and all the fallen heroes from Maine.
I had agreed with the family ahead of time that they would meet me at the RFTF to donate a TSP tribute stone for Matt. I was very much looking forward to learning more about his heroism, his character and his service to this great nation.
We spent some time together under the shade of a big white tent and I listened to Mike, a former Marine himself, talk about the predisposition of his son – to gravitate to all thing military. As a boy Matt relived gunfights, and fought battles pretending he was a soldier and imagining he was the action figure inside his incredible imagination. He had an affinity for the toughest of assignments and the most elite combat warriors – the famous Navy SEALS. He loved the Charlie Sheen movie from the 80’s and wanted to find his own adventures, testing himself to the limit.
Matt had already met and exceeded so many of his own limitations and proven his ability to lead others as the captain of the wrestling, football AND track teams as a high school student athlete. When he reached his senior year he knew for sure his calling was to serve in uniform and lead his troops in combat. He wanted to serve others, lead others and nothing was going to stop him. Perhaps his hardest decision was deciding between the two schools that made his final cut – Norwich and the University of Maine in Orono.
Thanks to his choice to attend UMO, we can honor a Maine hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice and keep his memory alive. And Matt is certainly a hero we want to remember and whose service and sense of duty is something that continues to inspire others all the time.
Matt excelled in the UMO ROTC program and was in the Ranger program there. Upon graduation he selected Military Police and became an MP Officer. While he was a dedicated leader, he also had a sarcastic and healthy sense of humor. He led with conviction and sense of purpose, focus passion and commitment.
Matt’s dad recounted a great story when Matt was training in Fort Benning Georgia and during a routine parachute jump his deployed parachute became tangled with another jumper. Matt assessed the situation, saw what needed to happen, and remaining calm, cool, and collected; he untangled the chute, saved his comrade and himself, both of them averting a potentially very dangerous situation.
Matt was awarded for his leadership skills and ability to inspire others. To this day there is a leadership award in his name that is bestowed on young Army officers who are HONOR graduates from their training programs and Matt himself received an award for leadership named after George Marshall.
There is one more story that struck me during our time together on a Sunday afternoon, clear skies, no enemy and in a free country far, far away from any hostility.
During one of his deployments, Matt recognized that his troops did not have adequate protection from small arms fire because the flak jackets they wore were insufficient for the threat. 2LT Matt Coutu, demonstrating that his troops were vulnerable and taking initiative, blazing his own path, he spent his own money to equip his men with the proper protection they needed. He didn’t take this action for personal praise or for some honor, he wanted to keep his men alive and accomplish the greater mission that was before them.
In summary, Matt Coutu was dedicated, focused and a driven leader. He took his OWN path, would not take no for an answer and as an athletic and smart leader, he inspired his team to accomplish that which they thought was impossible to achieve.
I was able to see the pride that his Dad and Stepmom had for him, and most of all, I could see in the eyes of his brother, Andrew, a young man who had been strongly influenced by the example of this brother. Matt’s legacy must be shared with others.
Through the work of The Summit Project, we hope to do exactly that but inviting volunteers to carry the stone and the story of 2LT Matt Coutu all across Maine and all across the world. The stone that uniquely represents Matt was retrieved on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in early August 2015, when Andrew and Matt’s other brother, Derek, spent two nights on the river, paying tribute to their brother and paddling 32 miles through Maine and enjoying the freedoms and security that was guaranteed by heroes like their brother.
Maine Heroes are NOT Forgotten.
djc
**
Matt attended the University of Maine, Orono where he was a Dean’s List student all four years and a member of the University’s ROTC program. “Matt was an exceptional young man,” Capt. Jeffery Weston said. “It’s easy at times like this to toss around all sorts of superlatives but Matt was head and shoulders above his peers. He was one of those guys who was larger than life; he just stuck out. He was a natural leader who inspired confidence and served as a mentor to the younger cadets.”
A distinguished military graduate, Coutu received the George C. Marshall Award, which is given to the top cadet at each university. He was ranked in the top 6 percentile of all ROTC cadets nationally. Matt was a history major and graduated with a 3.4 grade point average, Weston said. University of Maine President Robert Kennedy said the community was saddened to learn of Coutu’s death. “He was an outstanding member of the UMaine community and we will honor and always remember his selfless service to our country.”
Matt graduated from high school in Illinois where he was captain of the football, wrestling and track team at Lake Forest High before graduating in 2000, said principal Jay Hoffman. “He was a great guy, both in the classroom and outside. He was kind of man’s man, all-around great guy in all avenues,” said Hoffman.
Following his graduation from UMaine and commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, Matt attended the Military Police Officer Basic Course in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. Upon completion of the course, he was assigned to the 64th Military Police Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. Matt and his unit transferred to FOB Rustemiyah, Baghdad in February, 2005. On Monday morning June 27, 2005, Matt together with a squad from his platoon in the 64th MP Company, were en route to the Al Ademyiah Iraqi Police Station in east Baghdad when they came upon a vehicle which apparently hit an IED and engulfed in flames. While directing his men to secure the area, he was killed by sniper fire.
The day following his death, Lt. Colonel Robert Taradash, Commander of the 720th MP battalion in Baghdad called Michael Coutu, Matt’s father, saying how hard his death was being felt by his fellow troops adding “Matthew was perhaps my best platoon leader — someone who earned the admiration and respect of his fellow officers and the men who served under him. His loss will be grieved no less than that of a brother, parent, spouse or dear friend. He was an exemplary role model to all in this (Army) family.” At a memorial service held in Baghdad, Captain Meeks, Matt’s company commander, said “He loved the Army, the Guardians, and his Soldiers. He reminded us every day that he was committed to being the best and that he took care of the Wolfpack. His dogged will to succeed inspired leaders at every level. He maintained the same intensity day in and day out of this deployment, he did not waver one bit. While doing so he paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. For that, I am humbled and honored to have known and served with him.”
Among his awards and medals, Matt posthumously received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. With its inaugural dedication on February 6, 2006, the 2nd Lieutenant Matthew S. Coutu Distinguished Honor Graduate Award is given to the top graduate of each Military Police Officer Basic Course class. In the memorial dedication speech, Colonel Taradash described Matt as a “young man who loved to lead Soldiers; lived by the Warrior Creed and Army Values; loved and lived his life without hesitation; and epitomized heroism. From the moment that I met him, I recognized that Matt led his Soldiers from the front and put every ounce of his being into leading his Soldiers.”
Matt made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we often take for granted. Matt is a hero but not because he fought for our country and died in battle. He fought and died because he was a hero. He was a young man who lived his life with honor and high purpose. He was much loved and will be greatly missed by all whose life he touched.
UMaine ROTC graduate killed in Iraq
ORONO, Maine – A 2004 University of Maine graduate who was the cadet commander of the Army ROTC battalion in his senior year has been killed in Iraq. Second Lt. Matthew Coutu, 23, of North Kingstown, R.I., was killed Monday in Baghdad when enemy forces engaged his convoy with small arms fire, the Defense Department said Wednesday. Coutu, who was assigned to a military police unit, was remembered by a member of the university’s Military Science Department as a natural leader who inspired confidence and served as a mentor to the younger cadets.
“Matt was an exceptional young man,” Capt. Jeffrey Weston said. “It’s easy at times like this to toss around all sorts of superlatives, but Matt was head and shoulders above his peers. He was one of those guys who was larger than life, and he just stuck out.”
A distinguished military graduate, Coutu received the George C. Marshall Award, which is given to the top cadet at each university. He was a history major and graduated with a 3.4 grade point average, Weston said. UMaine President Robert Kennedy said the community was saddened to learn of Coutu’s death. “He was an outstanding member of the UMaine community, and we will honor and always remember his selfless service to our country,” he said.
Coutu graduated from high school in Illinois, where he was the captain of the football, wrestling and track teams at Lake Forest High School before graduating in 2000, said principal Jay Hoffmann. “He was a great guy, both in the classroom and outside,” said Hoffmann. “He was kind of a man’s man, an all-around great guy in all avenues.”
Hoffmann said a group of about 20 of Coutu’s classmates gathered Tuesday night and called his mother who confirmed that he had been killed. Coutu’s older brother, Derek, graduated from Lake Forest High School in 1998, he said.
Coutu is survived by his mother, Donna, who lives in North Kingstown, and his father, Michael, of North Hampton, N.H.
Michael Coutu told The Boston Globe that he is taking some comfort in the realization that his son was so well regarded. He said he even took notes as his son’s battalion commander, an Army colonel, told him how hard his son’s death was hitting his fellow troops.
“Matthew was his best platoon leader … someone who earned the admiration and respect of his fellow officers and the men who served under him,” Michasel Coutu said, reading from the notes. His “loss will be grieved no less than that of a brother, parent, spouse or friend.”
Matt is survived by his mother Donna who lives in Rhode Island, his father, Michael, of New Hampshire and two brothers Derek and Andrew.
On July 7, 2005, Mr. Michael Coutu shared these words at his son’s funeral —
We are here this morning to pay tribute to my son, Matthew. We mourn his death and we honor his life. As family and friends, we give comfort to one another at a time of overwhelming grief and sadness. There is no greater sacrifice than to give one’s life for his country but no platitudes or words can ever soften the loss of a child, the greatest loss a parent can endure.
As a combat Marine in Vietnam, I was perhaps more aware than most of the perils of war. Yet it did not prepare me for the visit from two Army officers ten days ago. With the words “Matthew was killed by enemy fire,” my mind deadened; all sound became muffled but for the heavy pounding of my heart. As the men in uniform carried out their unenviable duty, a flurry of thoughts abounded – – how did he die, was there a chance that his life could have been saved, did he suffer, did he have time to make peace with God, when will he come home? The Army has since given the answers they could but the most important questions rest with God.
Matt’s last note came in an email four days before he was killed. I have reread his final words many times. With each reading, I could hear his voice almost as if he were reading it to me. It was my way to somehow reach out to Matt, to share a final moment, to say a final goodbye. He spoke of two of his men getting wounded; it was the first occurrence of casualties within his unit since he left for Baghdad on February 9th. I wrote back to Matt on Sunday midday, my last note to him. I will never know whether he had the chance to read it on what was to be his final night. I can only hope that he did for it was my last opportunity to tell him that I loved him.
Matt was 23 years old, no longer a boy but barely a man. He had just completed college at the University of Maine, a time when life and life’s opportunities truly take wing. Matt had chosen a different path than the majority of his fellow students. While attending the University, he joined the Army ROTC and became a member of its Black Bear Battalion to fulfill a lifelong desire to serve in the armed forces. Consistent with his strong desire to be the best, Matt pursued and achieved excellence as both a student and a cadet. He was a Dean’s List student throughout his four years in college and was selected the top ROTC cadet of his unit’s class three years in a row. In his senior year, he was named the recipient of the George C. Marshall Award, the ROTC’s highest honor. On May 8th of last year, Donna and I were very proud not only to see our son graduate with honors, but also to have the honor of pinning him with the bars of a Second Lieutenant at his commissioning as an officer in the US Army.
Despite his achievements, Matt stayed away from the limelight. He was introverted, and at times even painfully shy. While he never sought attention, he was well respected by his fellow students and athletes for his commitment, drive, fortitude and focus. He was always serious about his goals whether it was weight lifting, staying in shape for sports, academics, his leadership role within ROTC or his career aspirations. But Matt’s goals were not merely short-term. He did not see the armed forces as a career but rather as the beginning of a lifetime of public service. His ultimate ambition was to become either a Secret Service or FBI agent once his four-year military commitment was completed.
Matt had many admirable qualities. As I collected my thoughts for this morning, two events among many came to mind that testify to the kind of person he was. In his senior year of high school, he was having an outstanding season as the leading rusher on Lake Forest’s football team. Unfortunately, during a mid-season game, Matt fractured two ribs yet; he continued to play the entire game saying nothing until after the final whistle. The injury forced him to the sidelines for the remainder of his final season. Nevertheless, he not only attended every game, he attended every practice as well, supporting his teammates and perhaps providing a measure of inspiration.
After the football season ended, the wrestling coach was having a difficult time fielding a full complement in each of the weight classes. The coach asked Matt to join the team. He was initially reluctant, in part, because he had never wrestled before and, in part, because his recovery was still fresh particularly for a sport as physically demanding as wrestling. But true to Matt’s commitment to school and team, he joined. On the basis of his won/lost record, it did not prove to be a memorable season. What was memorable was that he never missed a practice and finished out the season.
Won/lost records are not the only measure of success; courage, commitment and dedication are more important. Those qualities define a person. It is not in the best of times but rather in the worst of times that the true measure of a man becomes evident. Matt showed me that he had great character. It was evident to others as well. The qualities which defined Matt were in large part the basis for his selection as team captain in football, wrestling and track.
Matt was unwavering in pursuing the goals he felt important. If there is one worry which I have felt about Matt over the course of his brief life, it was that he took life too seriously. Matt never had that casual, fun loving, sometimes wild and carefree attitude that we adults often attribute to the young. He approached life with a maturity beyond his years. And he was frugal beyond belief. Like his older brother Derek, he received a spending allowance while in college to cover everyday expenses. But unlike Derek who made good use of the money and then some, Matt saved virtually every dollar. To the often-asked question of what he would like for Christmas or his birthday, his response was always the same, “I have everything I need.” What I wanted most for Matt was to see someone who was truly enjoying life and to be happy. What Matt wanted most was to accomplish his goals in an exemplary manner. He certainly did that and I believe this was what made him feel most happy.
As a newly-commissioned officer, Matt worried incessantly about the men under his command, members of the “Guardians,” the 64th Military Police Company. We visited with Matt at Fort Hood in late January, just before his unit shipped out for Iraq. It was the last time we saw each other. On the Saturday of our trip to Texas, a good number of soldiers went out on the town for a final night’s celebration before going to war. A few managed to celebrate a little too much. Matt stayed up all evening, ferrying his men from local bars to their homes or quarters. He felt totally responsible for his soldiers, a view he carried with him to Iraq. It was always their welfare that came first. There is no question in my mind that Matt would never hesitate putting himself in harm’s way to protect any of his men. To him, their well being was his first and foremost mission. He was a Guardian among Guardians.
Matt was never selfish or self-centered. Unlike his father, he was not a demonstrative or overly expressive person nor was he verbose as I have sometimes been accused. Matt spoke with great economy but his quiet heart was indeed good and caring. He was a good man, a wonderful son, a great brother. In the days since Matt’s death, many have come forth to say he was a great friend, an outstanding soldier, a true leader and hero.
He will be missed. With his passing, there will be no more holidays to share, no wedding to celebrate, no wife to love and comfort, no children who will call him Dad. I only wish he could have lived longer so that we could have loved him more.
Matt made the ultimate price for the freedoms we often take for granted. Matt is a hero but not because he fought for our country and died in battle. He fought and died because he was a hero. He was a young man who lived his life with honor and high purpose. The Iraqi conflict commenced while Matt was in ROTC yet it did not deter him from staying the course of duty and responsibility he embarked upon. I lost more than a son on June 27th; I lost one of my heroes.
We will be forever proud of the man Matt was, the values he held most high and the courage of his convictions. As a nation, we may disagree on the merits of the Iraqi conflict, and indeed Matt and others fought to protect our right to disagree, as well as our lives and security. But we should never be divided in the belief that a soldier who dies for his country deserves the honor befitting the sacrifice he made. Thank you for joining us in our time of grief. In doing so you honor our son so that as in life, his death has purpose and meaning.
To my son, I bid you farewell and know that God will keep you safe for eternity. Know that we will always love you and remember you for the outstanding man, son and brother you were…
Michael A. Coutu
19 Comments
Donna, Mike, Joanne, Derek, and Andrew,
Where to begin… These words are hard to find because I experienced something on Oct 17th that was beyond words. Carrying Matt’s stone and story to the top of Cadillac Mountain was the biggest honor I have ever been given.
Our day started rainy and cold as we began to climb but nobody on the team had one word of complaint. As we got to the first break where we took all the stones from everyone’s pack, the sun began to emerge and we knew that our heroes were looking down upon us. The rest of the hike was beautiful weather and views, even a rainbow as we approached the summit! At one point near the top, I was given the task of leading the team with the American flag and thought of Matt with me helping me carry it (and telling me to suck it up because it was heavy and windy!!) When the team reached the summit, we had our circle ceremony where all members of the team had to share their heroes story. 18 more people now know about Matt and will assure that he, his sacrifice, and your sacrifice are NEVER forgotten! I asked my team it they would honor Matt with shots of Jack all around…and they did so with respect and honor.
Renee
Donna, Mike, Joanne, Derek, and Andrew,
I had the pleasure of knowing Matt when I was in the ROTC program at UMaine. Matt was two classes ahead of me, and as a new freshman he appeared to be quite the intimidating character. I could see immediately that Matt physically embodied everything I expected an Officer to be. As I participated in the program it became even more apparent that Matt also possessed the emotional and mental strength that made him the exceptional leader and person that he was.
He had the ability to maintain incredible focus and dedication to every task he was given, while still showing that he was humble, demonstrating humility. As underclassmen, we always had a preference for who would be the leadership within our chain of command, that preference was Matt. You knew that when you were on his team, whether when it was in the field, or during PT that you would be taken care of. It’s clear that he never lost this trait based upon the stories provided within his biography.
I remember being in Michigan with my family when I received word that Matt had been killed. I was in complete disbelief. In my mind, Matt was invincible, he was super human. As I look back on the Matt I knew, and the Matt his close friends knew, I’ve attempted to rationalize his passing. He was selfless, altruistic, and compassionate. There is not a doubt in my mind that in his last moments he was doing absolutely everything he could possible do to protect and take care of those around him.
Matt, you were an amazing man, friend, and Officer. I think of you often, as I know that everyone from our time in ROTC does as well. You made such a large impact on so many, you deserve to be remembered as the hero that you are, and you will never be forgotten.
Mike “Archangel” Keighley
Hello my name is Lukas, and I am nine years old. I carried Lieutenant Matthew’s stone up Mount Katahdin. The trail I hiked up was Saddle trail. I went to Hamlin Peak and went down mini knife edge.
I felt happy, but sad too that I was able to carry a stone honoring someone who helped the U.S.A. in wars. I showed it to a couple people along the trail who asked about it. During the hike we took lots of pictures with Lieutenant Matthew’s stone.
Mount Katahdin was fun to hike with his stone. Lieutenant Matthew’s stone did not feel like it was that heavy. I liked the stone so much I wanted to carry it up Mount Everest. If I could, I would hike up Mount Katahdin again with his stone.
I hope Matthew is in heaven. I pray to God that he has a good life in heaven. I hope one day I could be just like Lieutenant Matthew when I grow up. I bet he was a nice and kind loving guy. It meant the world to me that I got to carry Matthew’s stone up Mount Katahdin. I wish I could have met Matthew in person or on face time, and that he didn’t have to die. I hope that maybe I can carry Matthew’s stone next year too.
To the family and friends of 2nd Lt Matthew Coutu,
It was a pleasure and honor to have learned about Matt. His accomplishments in life will live forever in our memories. I was proud to have been selected to carry his stone to the summit of Table Rock. It struck a cord with me as I realized that we were in Iraq during the same time frame. It brought tears to my eyes as I shared his story with the rest of our group. Nothing saddens me more than the loss of a fellow brother-in-arms… and the realization that at any moment it could have been me. I promise to keep Matt’s memory alive and share the story with as many people as I can. Thank you for dedicating this stone to the Summit Project and for his sacrifice for this country. You will all always have a place in my heart.
Respectfully,
SSG Ronald J. Cohen
Maine Army National Guard
To the family and friends of Matt,
Today Angel Matson and I hiked up Table Rock Mountain in Maine with 30 children who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. They carried 24 stones up the mountain today. Here is a letter from the campers that had the honor of carrying your hero.
“My experience with the Summit Project was amazing. Getting to know Matt while hiking, someone I never got to know, was something that I really enjoyed. Carrying the stone was a bit of a struggle because it was so heavy but it was also worth it!
Love, Kiara”
On September 12, 2016, I walked the streets of downtown Bangor alongside volunteers, Gold Star families, and TSP leaders to bring stones to the community members of Bangor, ME at the local library. When Angel Matson asked me which hero I would like to carry that day, I told her that I would be honored to carry any hero’s story. Little did I know that having the opportunity to carry Matt’s stone and learn his story would be such an inspirational gift.
I spent weeks preparing for this day. I read every online article I could find. I looked around to hear stories. I explored Youtube and Facebook. I felt like I knew him by the end of it. I was proud and humbled to get to know Matt. As I walked, I thought about him. I thought about the stories I read and the videos I watched. I held onto that stone as a way to thank him and to thank his family and friends for giving me the opportunity to get to know him. When I crossed the street and headed toward the waiting crowd at the library I saw a woman with two children walking towards me. As she approached me, with her hands covering her face in awe and sadness, she whispered, “That’s my Matt.” All at once, it felt so real. Everything that I read, everything that I watched, was now right in front of me. I spent that afternoon listening to his best friend share many memories she had of Matt. One of my favorites was her recounting the many, many nights that she third wheeled while her husband and her best friend hung out. She remembered the day that the Twin Towers came down and those same two men tried to drop out of school to enlist. She remembered watching him excel at the University of Maine and being so proud of his many accomplishments. I felt the love that she had for him and I am honored to share that with others.
I want to thank all of you for sharing your Matt. He is a part of my life now and I am thankful for that. Getting to know who he was as a leader, Officer, son, friend, student and soldier was a life changing opportunity. I will continue to share his story and I look forward to meeting more of Matt’s friends and family.
To the family of US Army 2nd Lt Matthew S. Coutu
On October 1, 2016 it was my honor to carry Matt’s stone to the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. This was my first event with The Summit Project, and it was an incredible experience. A week later I am still sorting though all of my thoughts.
In the weeks prior to our hike I read everything I could find about Matthew. I learned about a natural leader – a young man who always wanted to serve and did so with commitment. I was impressed with Matt’s accomplishments but even more impressed with how others saw and described him. “Exceptional; admired; respected; lived with honor and high purpose” – these words reveal an extraordinary young man.
I thought about Matt as I carried his stone in my pack. I thought about Matt’s family and the weight that is theirs to bear every day. I wondered if Matt had ever hiked Cadillac before. The day of our hike was overcast, but no fog or low clouds to obscure the view. I was on Team Tarn and we hiked the mountain from the east. With Matt’s stone in my pack I was able to look out over the beautiful Maine coastline. I tried to identify some of the islands, and get my bearings based on my limited knowledge of MDI. We saw a four-masted sailing vessel! It was magnificent; watching a sailing vessel is very peaceful. It’s that peace that I hope can be felt by Matthew’s family.
At the summit our team sat in a circle and took turns sharing what we had learned about the heroes whose stones we carried. I cannot adequately describe how emotional that experience was. To have the opportunity to share with your team the story of the hero whose stone you carried, and to hear the stories from each member of your team is incredibly powerful.
We arrived back at base camp for the final ceremony of the day. It was time to return the stones so that they could continue on their journey. One by one each hiker introduced themselves. “My name is Kim Wright and it was my honor to carry the story and the stone of 2nd Lt Matthew S. Coutu, United States Army.”
Hiking with The Summit Project and carrying Matt’s stone was truly a humbling experience. It is my sincere hope that Matthew’s family finds some comfort in the knowledge that his story lives on.
Maine Heroes are Not Forgotten.
Sincerely,
Kim Wright
Thank you, Kim for your kind and respectful words.
In fact, Matt did climb in 2002. How fitting that his stone is carried there. There is never a moment, a day, a week,etc that I don’t think about Matt and what he would have accomplished both professionally and personally.
The girl you met is a remarkable young woman and she, as well as her children, will always be a part of my life.
He was “her Matt” and I know he takes care of them every day. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I am sincerely grateful for your participation in the Summit Project.
Proud Gold Star Mother,
Donna Coutu
Peace and God bless
On September 11, 2017, a large group of veteran students, faculty, staff, and administrators at the University of Southern Maine had the honor of carrying remembrance stones from one of our campuses to another as a way to commemorate the day that inspired so many young people to national service. I had the honor of carrying Matthew’s stone and the opportunity to share his story. I am an historian by trade; our most basic duty is to ensure that the past is not forgotten. Thanks to the Summit Project, I was able to tell Matthew’s story–his humility, bravery, seriousness, and profound commitment to his responsibilities as a leader. I was chosen to carry Matthew’s stone because of his love of history and his achievements as a student. What we didn’t expect was that by happenstance, a classmate of Matthew’s from the University of Maine, now working at the University of Southern Maine, would hear his story once again. They had once been on a dorm floor together and had waged an epic pizza eating contest! For the last mile, we exchanged stones.
It was a heartfelt honor to pay our respects to your son and brother in this way.
Sincerely, Adam Tuchinsky
To the parents, family and friends of 2nd Lt. Matthew Coutu:
At the top of Cadillac Mountain on October 13th, I was honored to tell Matthew’s story to my fellow hikers. What stuck out most of all about Matthew’s life is how mature, how generous, how honorable, and how driven he was at such a young age. Truly extraordinary.
After learning about Matthew, it is no surprise that he was the recipient of the George C. Marshall award his senior year. I found this quote by Marshall “…the efficiency of your leadership will depend only to a minor degree on your tactical ability. It will primarily be determined by your character, your reputation, not much for courage—which will be accepted as a matter of course—but by the previous reputation you have established for fairness, for that high-minded patriotic purpose, that quality of unswerving determination to carry through any military task assigned to you.” Everything I read about Matthew is exemplified by this quote. He was a young man of amazing character, determination, and leadership, and he lived with honor and sense of purpose. We should all strive to be a little more like Matthew; the world would be a much better place.
I was humbled by the honor of carrying Matthew’s stone and promise to continue telling his story to others. Thank you for sharing his life with us,
Barbara
I had the honor of carrying Matthews stone this past weekend, Dec. 9th, while walking the Millinocket Marathon & Half. When I was asked prior to the race if I would carry a stone, I did not hesitate even knowing it would be a very challenging day for me. I did not know who’s stone I would be carrying till the night before the race and I was fortunate to have a friend that has also carried Matthews stone and she shared his story with me.
It took almost 13 hours walking the full marathon. The day was long and the last 4 miles was done in the snow. I had the honor to talk to a few people about Matthew along the course and we toasted to him at the finish line with many others.
#MHANF
On Saturday, September 29, 2018, I had the honor and privilege to carry the stone and the story of Army 2nd Lt. Matthew Coutu. Our group, Team Tarn, was directed to hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, in Acadia National Park, Maine. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sympathies to Matthew’s family for their loss.
I am always humbled to learn of our fallen heroes. Matthew was so typical of the many young men and women who joined the military. He attended UMO, was part of the ROTC there, and naturally gravitated into the Army. Matthew was also an outdoorsy young man, and along with his brothers Andrew and Derek, enjoyed many activities. Matthew was killed in 2005, and ten years after Matthew’s death, his two brothers paddled the Allagash waterway, and in doing so, found a stone fitting for Matthew’s memorial. I carried this stone, which was engraved in 2015, on my hike to Cadillac.
During our circle ceremony at the summit, I shared stories that I read about Matthew, in particular how he was always looking out for his troops, putting their safety first, and was justly awarded for doing so.
Matthew will never be forgotten, and every time we carry his stone, his story will live on, and his name will be called out. Thank you to Matthew’s family for sharing his legacy with us.
On November 10th and 11th I had the honor to carry the stone of Army 2nd Lt. Matthew S. Coutu. While I was doing some research the words driven, dedicated, and loyal resonated through from his family, his friends, to the men who served with Matthew. His dedication was shown from his ROTC days to the day he fell in battle. In climbing Blue Hill Trail that rainy, cloudy, chilly morning I could feel the weight of Matthews stone – While being ever so grateful to have the freedoms and the luxuries of hot coffee and a warm car to come back to. I am appreciative of Matthews and so many others sacrifice . Matthew will not be forgotten I will tell his story and strive to be like him by taking care of others and always trying my best.
To the family of Army 2nd Lt.Matthew S. Coutu,
My name is Zander, I am a sophomore at Nokomis Regional High, and it was an honor to carry the stone of Army 2nd Lt. Matthew S. Coutu up Tumbledown MTN. After my fellow hikers and I set the stones we were carrying down on the ground and talked about the fallen Soldier, we put the stones back in our bags. Half of us hiked back down the stones, but the other half of us hiked to the peak of Tumbledown with our stones. Then proceeded all the way down the Mountain on Brook Trial which was the trail we hiked up.
I learned some interesting things about Matthew. I learned that he was the captain of the football, wrestling, and track team in high school. I am also a student athlete as I play soccer and baseball. I learned that he attended UMO, he was top of his class in the ROTC program and was also in the Ranger program there.
On the Summit Project Hike we had a father of a fallen soldier hike with us. In total there were 34 stones brought up the Mountain and 34 brought down the Mountain. Tumbledown is near Weld Maine. We laid the stones near Tumbledown Pond were we took a break for a while to eat, swim, and fish. I was extremely honored to carry Matthew’s stone. It would be an honor to do it again next year.
On July 30th I had the honor of carrying 2LT Matthew Coutu’s stone on a hike to Gulf Hagus with my military family. I learned alot about other hero’s like Matthew that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Today’s weather was perfect, a beautiful day for a hike. As I sat by one of the waterfalls I thought about Matthew and the ultimate price he paid for our country so we can enjoy the freedoms we have. I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to carry Matthew’s stone. Matthew was a kind, compassionate person that always thought of others first. Matthew was a born leader, and he started showing his abilities in high school where he was Captain of the Football, Wrestling and Track team.
Matthew continued to show his leadership skills in college when he joined the University of Maine’s ROTC program and the Ranger program. Matthew ranked in the 6th percentile in the nation for ROTC. After graduating from college Matthew joined the Army. During one of Matthew’s deployments he saw that his soldiers needed essential live saving items that were not equipped with. Matthew purchased these items with his own money for his troops so they did not go without. Matthew obviously showed his compassion with his soldiers and he is truly missed by every heart he has touched. Thank you 2LT Matthew Coutu for your service and I will never forget the sacrifice you made for us.
To the family of 2LT Matthew Coutu,
On September 28, 2019 I was privileged to carry Matthew’s stone to the summit of Cadillac. At the summit I was honored to tell his story. He seems to have been an incredible leader and well respected by his troops and commanders alike. It is such an immense loss to you and. our country that he lost his life far to early. I am so touched too have been part of a great tribute to honor his life and service. Thank you for sharing his story and providing a stone to symbolized his strength and courage as he provided his amazing qualities to protect all of us. Thank you!
This years TSP hike did not go as planned at all. Knowing that the hike would not be normal compared to years past, I was still looking forward to carrying 2nd Lt Matthew Coutu’s stone with me on some type of small hike with my young family in tow beside me. Well, just like the rest of the past year, COVID threw me and my family another curve ball when we learned a few days prior to our planned family hike that we had contracted COVID at the Harris house somehow.
With that curveball being thrown at us we still continued on, just a little late to the game. A few days after the scheduled hike day when the family was feeling better, we packed up a picnic lunch, loaded the kids in the pickup, and went for an adventure riding around the Katahdin Woods and Water Monument as a family with Matthew and my brother Dustin’s stone right front in center in pickup.
It was a partly cloudy day so we missed out on all of the views of Katahdin that the Monument has to offer. Amelia was in the back staying quiet watching her movies. Tucker at just a couple months old slept the day away will riding around the bumpy dirt roads. Caitlyn in the passenger seat keeping conversation with me. Me driving, continually eying the stones that set in the middle of the front seat.
Each time I glanced down I thought about my brother. I wished that the kids had him around to run around with, to play games with, and for Caitlyn and I to call upon when we just need a break from them.
I thought of how Matthew and Dustin were very similar but took different paths. I thought of how Matthew knew in his senior year of HS that the military was his calling and that the same can could be said for Dustin. I thought of another one of their many similarities, their sarcasm and sense of humor. We would always get photos of Dustin messing around on base, hanging from the forklift forks, shaving cream all over his face, and the different phrases he and his buddies would change the welcome sign at the base to. I thought that these two men could most certainly be caught together laughing about something.
I would have loved to have met Matthew. I would have loved to have hung out with him and watched a game of football and joke and maybe even harass each other about our favorite teams.
I am always afraid that anything I say or do is never enough to help honor the lives of these great fallen heroes. To the family of Matthew, I am truly honored to have had Matthew’s stone take that family venture with me and to have been at the Harris house for the time that he was. Again, it was my honor to learn about Matthew and hold is story next to all of the other stories I have learned on my own healing process since the loss of my brother during his service time.
To Army 2nd Lt. Matthew S. Coutu’s family,
I had the honor of carrying Matthew’s stone for the recent Summit Project hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park on September 24, 2022. It was a chilly morning, but our team of 18 dedicated hikers set out on our designated trail to reach the summit. During my research of Matthew’s life, I realized that he was so abundantly loved and admired by everyone that met him. The words of praise from his family, friends, high school coaches, college professors to his military leaders were simply overwhelming. It seemed that Matthew truly was larger than life. I think one of the most profound things I read that seemed to stick with me was written by Matt’s Army Colonel who said that Matt, “loved and lived his life without hesitation”. To be subjected to so many critical situations and be looked upon to make sound, last minute decisions would be so difficult and overwhelming for most, but it seemed like Matthew took it all in stride; made the hard decisions; stuck to his guns and led with confidence. I am so sorry for your family’s loss and can only assure you that I will not forget what I’ve learned about Matthew and I will share his story every opportunity I get. With Gratitude, Kristy Sharp
To the Family and Friends of 2nd Lt. Matthew Coutu,
My name is Amy, I had the honor of carrying Matthew’s stone this past Memorial Day weekend (2023) for the TSP event at Baxter State Park. This was my first official event with TSP. I read about Matt before our hike. He was half my current age at the time of his death. This was on my mind a great deal as I hiked. Matt was described by family, commanding officers, teachers and friends alike as driven, a natural leader, a “guardian among guardians”. At 23. Matt was a planner, seeing his future and taking steps towards his goals that he unfortunately was never able to complete.
Matt and I are so very different, and I am so very grateful for young men like him. While he was a planner, I am somewhat of a fly by the seat of my pants gal. He was wise and mature beyond his years, I have no intention on growing up. He was described as somewhat shy, I have never been called shy in my life. Despite our basic differences, we are now connected. I will carry his memory and story with me. His ability to lead from the front is something to be emulated, and I will strive to do so.
Thank you for the opportunity to carry Matt with me. We had some nice chats along the way and I made a promise to keep living life to the fullest and taking his memory along with me.
With sincere gratitude,
Amy Brooks