In Memoriam
Matthew J. LaPorte
Class of 2005
Virginia Tech Casualty
April 16, 2007
Matt La Porte, 20, was killed in the nation’s deadliest massacre, a shooting rampage at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va., that left 32 dead before the gunman killed himself April 16, 2007.
Matt was awarded the Airman's Medal on April 9, 2015 Click Here to Read Articles and View Photos
Matt's name has been placed in the Carson Long Gold Star Platoon.
The April 16 Archive
Collecting and Preserving the Stories of the Virginia Tech Tragedy
Letter From Representative of our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI
Services Held
Funeral Services, April 25, 11 AM
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Rev. James Arsenault presided and was assisted by a number of priests and seminarians
from the Richmond Diocese. 50 VA Tech cadets were in attendance along with many Tech faculty
and staff, to include Dr. Charles W. Steger, VA Tech president. Also in attendance were
Don Byrne '62, Charlie Barr '62, Dom D'Agostino '53, Steve Neal '52 and their wives,
Maj Morgan and Lt Hallman along with cadets representing Carson Long and a
number of Matt's classmates and roommate.
During the homily Matt's senior oration was read while Amazing Grace was played in the
background.
Following the Mass the "White-robed priests and seminarians from St. Mary's led mourners
from the church to the grave. Six cadets acted as pallbearers, carrying La Porte's
flag-draped casket to the vault."
 Picture By Chris Pedota / The Record Va. Tech cadets help bury La Porte |
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Viewing Tuesday, April 24, 7 - 9 PM
McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, VA
Memorial Mass Monday, April 23, 10 AM
Sacred Heart Church, 102 Park Street, Haworth, NJ
Fr Jim Bouffard will preside at the Memorial Mass. There will be as many as 8 priests at the Mass.
The Arch Bishop was at the Vatican and made the Pope aware of Matt. Two Diocesan Auxilary Bishops will
also attend the funeral.
Mrs. LaPorte has requested that anyone attending, who is from the Carson Long family, wear something that will
identify them as part of Carson Long. Of course anyone attending directly from the school will be
in uniform. Mrs Morgan and Mrs Chunn made small pictures of Matt with a ribbon and pin that
could be worn by everyone from CLI.
MAJ Mark Morgan, 1LT Garry Hallman, Mrs. Nichol Morgan (librarian), C/MAJ Cheng-Ai Chiu
(cadet Battalion Commander) and C/CPT Chad Charles ("A" Company Commander).
All five acted as Honor Guard for Matt's casket along with some cadets from Virginia Tech.
They were joined by a number of Matt's classmates.
Wake Service Sunday, April 22, 7 - 9 PM
Frech Funeral Home, 161 Washington Ave, Dumont, NJ
A Memorial Service was held on Friday, April 20 at 3:05
in the E. L. Holman Chapel
21 Gun Salute for One Virginia Tech Casualty
Video From ABC Channel 27
Video WGAL Channel 8
From His Senior Page
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?... I know not what course others may take, but as for me - give me liberty or give me death!"Patrick Henry
Changes
It seems a millennium has passed since I first stepped through the gates of Carson Long. Indeed, in September, 1999, a troubled boy found himself here, thinking his parents should have given him a second chance. He thought he wouldn't make it here, but he was stuck; so, he had to make the best of the situation. He began to make friends--real friends. He started to make promotions. He learned how to be responsible for himself and eventually, also for others. He even improved his average. He felt himself changing. He wondered if Carson Long was his second chance. He changed so much, that I am not quite sure if that boy and I are the same person. Now, I know that Carson Long was my second chance, and nothing could make me more proud than to be standing here today, at the end of this experience-this journey on which most don't even dare to embark. I'm ever thankful. I've made it.
There are so many to thank who have helped me along the way in one way or another, and I apologize if I've forgotten you. I want to first thank God for showing me the importance of faith. Thank, Christopher and Jonthan, for showing me true friendship. Chiu, you were my roommate. I'll miss you. Michrina, you and I've come a long way. Carvellas and Rogers, you were also great friends. I want to thank the Odatos for their unparallel kindness, and for taking me in as their own; the Rogiches for being another family to me; and the Comollis for pushing me along. Thanks, Lt Schuckman, Lt. Kocur, Lt. Rich, Capt. Boia, and Maj. Sommerville. Lt. Hallman, you've been a great teacher and friend to all of us. Maj. Burlington, thank you for brightening my every day with your unique sense of humor. Ms. Kline, you brought out he creativity in me. Thank you, Priscilla, for accepting me as your brother. As for those who doubted me, you only encouraged me to persevere. And finally, to my parents; Mom, I'm sorry if I ever disappointed you You've been relentless and persistent, putting your all into me. I love you. Dad, I hope that I've become a man in your eyes, and that whatever I do in life, you are proud of me. Thanks, and I love You. Seniors. it's finally time for us to go. We've made it together. God Bless the Class of 2005
Honors
Drum Retired
All members of the Highty Tighties (VA Tech Regimental Drum Corps) signed the inside of Matt's drum
and retired it. It will be placed in the Regimental Museum. Click on image below to see enlarged picture.
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Flag Over Camp Patriot
1LT Michael Beggs '90 emailed us with the following.
I won't be able to attend as I am currently in Kuwait. I am arranging
to have a flag flown over Camp Patriot in Matt's honor.
He will be sending the flag and certificate to Matt's parents.
Flag Over Baghdad and Carson Long
CPT Fritz Beck '00, flew a flag in his helicopter over Baghdad for Matt.
CPT Beck was C Company commander Matt's first year. When he heard about
Matt he flew a flag in his chopper over Baghdad and then passed it to three
other aircraft. Each unit provided a certificate for the La Porte family
saying where and when the flag was flown. He then asked if it was possible
to fly the flag over campus before we sent it to the family.
The flag arrived on campus on Friday, June 1. Cadets Charles and Chiu raised it
over the campus at noon on June 1 and was flying during final parade.
More pictures, provided by Nikki Morgan, can be viewed at This Site
Password to enter the site is miceandmen
The cased flag along with framed certificates will be given to Mr. and Mrs La Porte.
Guest Book
Guest Book Provided By Roanoke Times
Video
Video From Channel 21
News Links
Virginia Tech
Va. Tech cadets help bury La Porte
Life Full Of Promise Cut Short
Victims Leave Memories of Motivation
Shooting Victim Attended Local Military Academy
Student With Local Ties Killed In Virginia Tech Shootings
Air Force ROTC cadet killed in Va. massacre
Dumont victim recalled as 'wonderful boy,' 'brother'
The Washington Post
Slain cadet known for his quiet strength
Passionate scholars danced, sang, lived
Dumont man among dead at Va. Tech
Friends recall ROTC cadet killed at Va. Tech
Matthew La Porte: 'Troubled boy' grew into a Corps leader
IN MEMORIAM - Matthew J. La Porte
Memories
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