Yesterday, our CO called an AOM at 0915 to inform us that we lost one of our planes and a crew flying missions in support of OEF. Matt was the aircraft commander aboard that aircraft. Here is what we know: They were flying a cargo mission at night. People on the ground saw a fireball on one of the peaks that divide a valley in which the runway sits. There were no survivors.
My wife and I spent the rest of the day with Matt's widow, Mary-Ellen. For those of you who know her, you know that she is a very strong person and is holding up pretty well. She has a lot of family and friends that are helping her through this tough situation.
Matt was an excellent pilot with tremendous flying skills. Although we will all miss him, he has touched a lot of us in some way, and we will never forget him.
As soon as funeral/memorial sevice information comes available, I will post it on this board.

J.P. Pellegrino
(858)577-8245 (w)
(760)727-2593 (c)