Ultimate Sacrifice, Ultimate Honor --- VA Tech Hero Officially Recognized

2015-04-11T02:35:47-04:00

Almost eight years after Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets marched into Westview Cemetery to bury their slain comrade, Air Force Cadet Matthew J. La Porte, they did so once more. This time, as those in the long line of gray and white synchronized their footsteps to the rap of two lone snare drums, they came not to mourn La Porte but to celebrate his heroism.

On Thursday, with the thousand-strong Corps of Cadets stretched out along the cemetery’s hill, the Air Force posthumously awarded La Porte, of Dumont, N.J., the Airman’s Medal for his actions on the morning of the massacre at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/ultimate-sacrifice-ultimate-honor-virginia-tech-hero-from-dumont-hailed-1.1306132

Ultimate sacrifice, ultimate honor: Virginia Tech hero from Dumont hailed

Matthew La Porte's mother, father and sister traveled from their home in Dumont to Blacksburg, Va., to accept the Airman’s Medal on behalf of Matthew. A member of Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets and the Air Force ROTC program, he was among 32 students killed on April 16, 2007, in what remains the deadliest shooting rampage by a single gunman in U.S. history.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 11 at 2015 2:38 AM

2015-04-11T02:38:24-04:00

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 2:49 AM

2015-04-11T02:49:35-04:00

Would have been an outstanding officer! If you're going to go, go putting up a fight! Tragic and well deserved honors!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 3:14 AM

2015-04-11T03:14:52-04:00

This is an unprecedented time where the very thing that JFK espoused is not only being disregarded but encouraged. No presidential legacy is worth this unless you do not care about the country.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 11 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-04-11T10:13:52-04:00

http://www.roanoke.com/news/education/higher_education/virginia_tech/air-force-awards-airman-s-medal-to-cadet-victim-of/article_eb324003-e0f6-5398-914e-6f488c48af6a.html

Matthew La Porte honored for final heroic actions on April 16th

Matthew La Porte, who died trying to save lives during the Virginia Tech shootings on April 16, 2007, was honored with the Airman’s Medal on Thursday by the U.S. Air Force, according to a news release.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 11 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-04-11T10:17:19-04:00

I'm glad to see the Air Force did the right thing. My salute goes to you Sir, for taking the lead and showing what a leader is all about! SALUTE!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Apr 11 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-04-11T10:42:55-04:00

I would have proudly served with him.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Apr 11 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-04-11T12:28:54-04:00

I know a Tech grad, Maj Private RallyPoint Member, will appreciate seeing this news.

Response by PFC John Hoffman made Aug 26 at 2020 12:49 PM

2020-08-26T12:49:20-04:00

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