Mission Statement

Matthew Alexander Blount, second son of Barry and Terrie Blount of Pelham, Alabama, was born on September 18, 1981. He was a member of Pelham First Baptist Church and was a 1999 graduate of Pelham High School and joined the US Army in the same year serving until 2006. During his military career he advanced in Rank to Staff Sergeant serving tours in Iraq as Senior Field Medic. Matthew’s duty assignments included Basic Training at Fort Sill, OK, Advanced Individual Training – Medic/91B at Fort Sam Houston, TX, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, 1st infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany, 173D Airborne Brigade, Supporting Iraqi Freedom and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany as Senior Instructor, Medical/Treatment. During his tours of duty in Germany and Iraq, Matthew was highly respected. Members of his team thought well of him as described by Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Troy Tarazon, “Blount always stayed calm during firefights and was quick to accept military responsibility. He was all about self-sacrifice. In the many firefights, he was always up front. He treated many casualties and definitely contributed to saving many lives.” Tarazon continues in calling Blount the “definition of leadership and knows how to rise to any challenge. I was older, but he was my role model.” Blount received the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Field Medic Badge for his service in Iraq. After receiving an honorable discharge from active duty in 2006, Matthew transferred to the United States Army Reserve and enrolled in Jacksonville State University ROTC. In November of 2009 Matt was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Ewing’s Sarcoma, in advanced stage. He remained active in school and ROTC while undergoing treatment. He went on to finish in the top 4% of the National Order of Merit list of the ROTC. He served as the ROTC Executive Officer and was a member of many National Honor Societies that included Phi Kappa Phi Pinnacle, Alpha Phi Sigma, Scabbard and Blade and Lambda Alpha Epsilon. Matthew graduated with honors in April 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Matthew was also the recipient of the Silver Physical Fitness Award, the Department of the Army Superior Cadet Decoration Award and was the first from Jacksonville State University to received seven medals at the LAE’s Southern Regional Competition. Just days prior to his death in 2012, Matthew received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve. Matthew Blount grew from a boy to a man early in his life and he was driven to achieve goals and ambitions. He became an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow where he was awarded the Vigil honor, and continued to grow into a soldier that took his responsibilities seriously in saving the lives of others and excelling in all his objectives. Matthew Alexander Blount went to be with his Lord on March 10, 2012. He is survived by his wife Melinda Copeland Blount and daughter, Audrey, brothers David Blount, Andrew Blount and his parents, Barry and Terrie Blount. Matthew is interred at the Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo, Alabama. 'He was my hero' Army veteran Matt Blount remembered for his self-sacrifice, passion to help others and perseverance, even when cancer ravaged his body.