21-year-old US Marine Corporal Matthew T. Richard from Iota, Louisiana, was killed in Helmand province, Afghanistan on 9th June 2011 while serving a second tour of duty supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
His parents, Jeff and Alicia, were told of their son's death early morning Thursday 9th June.
His mother told local reporters that at the age of 17 Matthew had begged them to allow him to sign with the Marines.
Cpl. Richard served with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
