EMERSON, MATTHEW

Matthew “Matt” J. Emerson was born on October 20, 1986 in Sunnyside Washington and was a lifelong Grandview resident, graduating from Grandview High School in 2005. Growing up he participated in youth sports, including soccer, Grid Kids, and baseball. He also participated in AAU basketball and the Middle School wrestling team. While attending Grandview High School, Matt lettered in football (playing wide receiver and defensive back) and golf. During his senior year, Matthew dropped the golf team in order to join the track team, as he knew he would need to be in shape for Basic Training in July after graduation.  

Matt was also a member of the Grandview Nazarene Church, and in addition to his sports he enjoyed fishing and helping out on the family farm, where they grew cherries, apples, and plums.  

At an early age, Matthew had a passion for all things Army and would spent hours with his Gl Joes and simulating war games with his buddies. They even made a very entertaining movie for their H.S. history class, reenacting scenes from WWll.  

CPL Emerson enlisted in United States Army in July, 2005, and went on to complete Boot Camp and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. While there, he also graduated from Airborne School. CPL Emerson’s first assignment was at Fort Bliss, Texas, with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. He was deployed to Iraq on November 1, 2006. 

CPL Emerson dies on 18 September 2007 in Nineveh Province, lraq from injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  

A loyal Grandview Greyhound and WSU Cougars fan, Matt also loved the San Francisco 49ers, and proudly displayed his autographed picture of Jerry Rice on his bedroom wall. His favorite movies to watch repeatedly were the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, and “Black Hawk Down”. As a typical teenager, he spent countless hours perfecting his video game skills, hoping to best his brother and friends. Driving through Grandview in his pick-up truck, he was usually listening to Metallica on his way to the home of one of his many friends. 

Matt Emerson is survived by his parents, L.J. and Ginger Emerson; his brother, Joe, and his sister, Christine. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Virginia Evans; aunts and uncles, Camille and Iver Eliason Ivarson; Vern and Cathy Emerson; Inez and Jack Hughes; Don and Barbara Olmstead; Lou and Kathy Rabe, and Robert and Carol Evans, and by many loving cousins. He was also blessed with a host of close friends from high school and 

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