Monday, October 06, 2008

Farewell and Walk with God ~ PO3 Matthew J O'Bryant


When the Marriott Hotel was bombed a few weeks ago, people quickly forgot the horror of the terrorism. However, two troops were killed in the blast. The DOD has announced the death of a sailor supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cryptologic Technician Third Class Petty Officer Matthew J. O'Bryant, 22, of Duluth, Ga., died September 20 in the bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan. O'Bryant was assigned to the Navy Information Operations Command Maryland, Fort Meade, Maryland. He had been there for about two months.

O'Bryant is a graduate of Theodore High School, where he excelled in the JROTC program.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Lawrence O'Bryant, his brother — who closely resembles Matthew, although they were three years apart — called his brother "a hero" and "a patriot" in his emotional address.

Just prior to the service, Lawrence O'Bryant told everyone who came up to him how proud he was of his brother. He noted to a reporter that four members of the family — the two brothers and two of their cousins — were all serving in the Navy at the same time. "There were four of us in the Navy," he said. "Well, there's three now." He paused, then added, "I guess there will always be four of us because he will always be in the Navy."

O'Bryant is survived by his parents, Tommy and Barbara O'Bryant of Theodore; his wife, Bridgette O'Bryant of Buckatunna, Miss.; His brother, Lawrence O'Bryant and two sisters, Janet O'Bryant and Nancy O'Bryant, both of Theodore.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and members of his unit at this difficult time.

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