DEHLE, MATTHEW

Matthew C. Dehle was born on March 21, 1987  as a bright-eyed, happy, hungry boy. He joined his dad, mom Julie, and two much older brothers in Kettle Falls, WA. He was an easy child to raise. He was not always an angel. He was a pure boy! Matthew loved water in any form. He loved to splash in puddles while it was still rainy, much to our elderly neighbors' enjoyment. 

He joined Cub Scouts while in grade school, becoming an Eagle Scout his Junior Year. He was a member of The Order of The Arrow and a Scout leader during his senior year. Scouting gave him a love of all things outdoors. He camped with Scouts at least once a month all year long. Hiking and canoeing were all part of the deal. His love of water made swimming lessons a natural progression to Lifeguard and swim teacher at the local pool, where he could be found all summer long. 

A school trip to Washington, DC began his path towards the military. The Korean War Memorial on a rainy day spoke to him, and his love of action movies created the beginnings of a plan. His plan was to fly Blackhawk helicopters, which meant the Army.  

PFC Dehle graduated from Kettle Falls High School in 2005 and immediately enlisted into the Army, heading to boot camp at Fort Benning. His first posting was Fort Lewis in October of 2005, as a Stryker operator, which is an eight-wheeled, armored personnel carrier. He had found his purpose and was happy. What boy wouldn't be- “Eight-wheeling in the mud and getting paid to do it,” he said.   

PFC Dehle married his high school sweetheart and received an assignment to Germany in 2006 where both had set off on their adventure together. He was enjoying the daily exercises, learning German, and living as a married couple in something other than barracks. They had gone into the local town and ordered a meal and drinks in German  

On August 23, 2006 the world lost a hero when PFC Dehle collapsed, and passed away while participating in a unit physical fitness session in Germany.  

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers PFC Matthew C. Dehle for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.