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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, July 21, 2009

High praise for fallen Kaneohe Marine corporal


Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Gov. Ted Kulongoski yesterday presented a flag to Carolyn Lembke to conclude services for her son, Marine Cpl. Matthew R. Lembke, 22, at the Willamette National Cemetery in Tualatin, Ore.

AP Photo/The Oregonian, Thomas Boyd

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Matthew R. Lembke, who was assigned to Kaneohe Bay, died July 10 at Bethesda Naval Hospital from injuries sustained in a June 22 IED explosion in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

File photo

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PORTLAND, Ore. — Gov. Ted Kulongoski called a young Tualatin man “the best Oregon has to give” at a graveside service for the 22-year-old Kaneohe Marine who died following severe injuries suffered in Afghanistan.

The governor joined relatives and friends Monday to bury Cpl. Matthew Lembke, who died July 10 at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland. He lost both legs in June. Lembke was buried at Willamette National Cemetery.
He was a sniper serving his third combat tour when an IED exploded during a late-night foot patrol. He underwent several surgeries and held on for 18 days. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
A crowd of 800 filled the Catholic Church of the Resurrection in Tualatin for a funeral Mass. The Rev. Paul Peri said Lembke had a quiet faith and a spirit of self-sacrifice.
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Information from: The Oregonian, www.oregonlive.com