Matthew Hill Memorial

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, brothers and sisters in arms—

thank you for being here today as we honor the life, service, and legacy

of a remarkable American patriot: 

Matthew Hill, also known affectionately to so many as “Driver.”

We come together not only to mourn Matthew’s passing,

but also to celebrate a life lived with

courage,

loyalty,

and unwavering devotion to the people around him.

Although I personally didn’t really have the pleasure of getting to know Matthew,

I did have the honor of getting to know those who did

and as I heard their stories of time spent with Matthew,

I have begun to understand how great of an impact this one man had on so many.

and I can honestly say that I missed out.

After speaking with many that knew and loved this remarkable man,

after hearing testimonies of who he was

and how much he meant to those around him,

I can only hope that one day,

people will speak of me in such a way when I go home to be with the Lord.

To be blunt,

Matthew was the kind of man whose presence made others feel

steady,

supported,

and seen.

And today, we honor him with the gratitude

and respect he so greatly earned.

Speaking of his service to our great nation,

Matthew served proudly in the United States Army for 20 faithful years.

His service was not ordinary—because Matthew was not an ordinary Soldier.

His excellence, his professionalism, and his commitment to his Soldiers

set him apart from the very beginning.

As a further testament to Matthew and his service,

he earned the esteemed and sought after, Audie Murphy Award.

An award that not only recognizes exceptional leadership,

but character,

integrity,

and selfless service.

Now if you’re a soldier, or a former soldier, you know what this means.

The Audie Murphy Award is not just given

but rather earned through hard work and discipline.

Truly an exceptional achievement…

and to those of us who know what you have to go through to earn this award,

then you know the words about his character and devotion are true.

He also earned the Bronze Star,

a symbol of bravery,

commitment,

and distinguished achievement.

These honors are rare.

They are earned only by those who live at the highest standard of duty and sacrifice.

But anyone who knew Matthew knew that those awards simply reflected who he already was.

To many of his Soldiers and colleagues,

Matthew was nick named “Driver”

—And while I was not able ascertain the origins and perhaps original meaning of this given name,

I was able to conclude that the unique meaning of this name, as it pertained to Matthew,

came to represent the kind of leader he was:

someone who carried others when they needed help,

someone who guided those around him,

someone who made you feel safe in the toughest moments.

“Driver” wasn’t just a nickname. It was a testament to the steady, dependable, unwavering man behind it.

After retiring from the Army,

Matthew had every right to rest.

He had given more than enough.

But resting was never in his nature.

Instead, he continued serving his nation for another 12 years 

as a dedicated Department of the Army Civilian.

Where he mentored, supported, and strengthened another generation of Soldiers—

not for recognition,

not for rank,

but because service was part of who he was.

Twenty years as a Soldier.

Twelve years as a civilian.

You know if my math is correct that is

Thirty-two years of service to the United States of America.

That is a legacy of devotion few will ever match.

But as impressive as Matthew’s career was,

his greatest impact was always personal.

He was a father,

an uncle,

a friend,

and mentor to so many.

He was someone who listened.

Someone who checked in.

Someone who made others laugh even on the hard days.

He was someone who showed kindness in the quiet moments

—pulling a Soldier or co-worker aside to encourage them,

stepping in when someone needed guidance,

offering a hand without needing to be asked.

His leadership was never just about the mission—it was about the people.

Matthew’s family, from what I understand, knew this better than anyone.

The strength,

loyalty,

and compassion he showed in uniform

were the same qualities he carried into his home.

His family was his pride,

his joy,

and his anchor.

If you knew Matthew, you knew how deeply he cared about them,

how much they meant to him,

and how consistently he put them first in his heart.

Today, as we reflect on Matthew’s life,

it is natural to ask ourselves how we measure a man who gave so much.

The truth is that medals and awards—though deeply significant—tell only part of the story.

The real measure of Matthew Hill’s life is found in the people he shaped,

the Soldiers he inspired,

the coworkers he strengthened,

and the loved ones he cherished.

It is found in the legacy of integrity and courage he leaves behind.

The Bronze Star reminds us of his bravery.

The Audie Murphy Award reminds us of his leadership and dedication to excellence.

But Matthew’s life…

the way he lived every single day…

reminds us of something even greater:

That one person—one steady, selfless, faithful man—can change countless lives.

We also give thanks today.

We give thanks for Matthew’s service,

for the sacrifices he made,

for every long day and every tough mission.

We give thanks for his humor,

his warmth,

and his ability to lighten any room he walked into,

despite his often serious demeanor.

We give thanks for the love he showed his family and friends,

the loyalty he showed his brothers and sisters in arms,

and the mentorship he gave freely and generously.

Scripture tells us:

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Matthew lived that truth—

not only in combat or in crisis,

but in the way he willingly gave himself every day for the sake of others.

Matthew “Driver” Hill lived a life of purpose.

A life of service.

A life of honor.

Today we entrust him into the arms of the Lord,

into peace,

and into rest.

His duty is fulfilled.

His work is complete.

But his legacy

—the spirit of service,

strength,

and compassion he embodied—

will live on in all of us.

To Matthew’s family:

thank you for sharing him with this nation.

Your sacrifice was part of his service,

and his love for you was his guiding force.

To those who served with him:

honor him by leading as he led,

serving as he served,

and caring for others the way he always did.

And to all gathered here:

may we carry forward his example and never forget the life,

influence,

and sacrifice of Matthew Hill.

May he rest in peace, and may his service to our great nation never be forgotten.

Thank you.