Check It out, Tulsa (8/22/2009 7:53:56 AM)

No matter how he left this world, I am deeply sorry! He was loved greatly, and will deeply missed! There have been too many suicides since this war began! I hope that the military is doing something about identifying the signs and risks and getting these guys help with processing their pain! There can be no greater loss than a parent losing a child! This family has lost two beautiful sons and the community needs to cover them with love and prayer and space to grieve.

We grieve for you all!

sooner fun girl, (8/22/2009 8:31:59 AM)

check it out very well said. the death of a child for a parent is the greatest loss one can experience but losing a sibling especially if they were close can be just as devastating. So often the siblings carry this pain inside not wanting to upset the grieving parents and this can destroy them. My thoughts and prayers go out to this family during this most difficult time.

scooter2, (8/22/2009 9:17:01 AM)

sooner fun girl, so very true. My son was killed and I was devastated for myself and for my children. A parent bares there own pain, but also bares the pain of the other children who lost their sibling. And you are right many times the siblings try to hold their pain inside not to hurt the parents. I feel very sorry for this man as I have seen my own son hurt for his brother and it is terriably hard. The first comment is cold. You need to get compassion in your heart. He was a young man with a heavy load and it's sad to think he just couldn't bare it anymore.

sooner fun girl, (8/22/2009 9:20:24 AM)

mayor_maynot- where do you get off stating that this young man is not a hero but a suicidal sicko. the story states that this young man was thrilled and honored to serve his country that alone makes him a hero. the fact that he suffered a major loss in his life that may have been escalated by the deaths of many of his friends and comrades doesn't make him a sicko it makes him human. please show some compassion this family has suffered 2 major losses.

sooner fun girl, (8/22/2009 9:25:29 AM)

scooter2 I am so very sorry for your loss. I also lost my daughter and her sister held all of her pain on the inside until it nearly destroyed her. Thank God she finally started to allow me to help her sort out her pain because if she hadn't I would have lost her also. God bless you and your family.

pjmco77, tulsa (8/22/2009 10:56:52 AM)

This man is indeed a hero. As the mother of a young son who has served in Iraw, a mother in law of a young man preparing for his second tour, and the sister of a woman and two brothers who have served this Country, I want to personally thank this soldier's family for their sacrifice. Never forget that there are many among you who feel your pain and anguish at this terrible loss of life, and I am sorry for any comments made by uncaring, unfeeling individuals who call themselves Americans despite their lack of compassion. Thank you, for this ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

scooter2, (8/22/2009 11:21:37 AM)

sooner fun girl, Thank for your kind words and God Bless you also. Remember, Mary the mother of Jesus who lost her son also on Calvary. And he had brothers and sisters to whom He looked dowm upon in all their pain. And even though it was meant to be, it didn't hurt them any less. Maybe that is why Jesus said, Let this cup pass from me for He saw His family before He went to Calvary and His precious Mothers pain. So if you ever think no one could possiable understand, Jesus does. And his family also. When Jesus sees a mother grieving for their dead child, I believe He sees Mary again.

owen, Tulsa (8/22/2009 12:42:06 PM)

sooner fungirl and check it out have posted excellent comments. I did not read into the story that the boy was a not a hero. To me it seems that he was deeply troubled, tried to do something great for his country and was too overwhelmed by the death and destruction around him. It is horrible to lose any loved one or friend. To lose a cherished brother then to be surrounded by deaths and injuries is more than many could take. To the family: Know that the majority of us will honor Army Spc. Hastings and will keep you in our thoughts as you grieve.

BayouGirl, Owasso (8/22/2009 2:03:21 PM)

mayor_maynot..........it is a shame you were the first person to comment on this story. Your comment is about as necessary as a boil on my butt! Hey, that is a pretty good description of your comment.......TOTALLY UNWANTED AND UNNECCESARY!

2ndjoyce, BA (8/22/2009 3:16:18 PM)

I am so sorry for all the family and friends but I understand Matt. There is often no explanation for depression or feelings of hopelessness that finally become unbearable. God bless everyone who loved him.

Few Clothes, Austin, TX (8/22/2009 5:08:27 PM)

RIP soldier. This happened in Vietnam and probably all wars. I hold this man in high esteem. He enlisted and spent his time in hell. Rest easy Specialist Matthew D. Hastings. You're in Gods hands now.

Terree, Tulsa (8/22/2009 9:53:41 PM)

This is such a sad thing to hear. The young man just to much on his mind and was having a hard time dealing with all the bad that was in Iraq. He is in all our prayers and now hes with his brother and they are happy. No more horrors of the war. He will always be a Hero..and to the person that has no heart. SHUT UP...
"Rest In Peace Spc. Matthew D. Hastings" U have served your country well.