On September 28, 2025, we lost a gentle giant when Matthew Young passed away unexpectedly of natural causes. Matt Young was a devoted husband, father, and friend. Matt was a U.S. Marine and combat veteran of the Iraq War. He loved his wife, Rachael, and their three sons and one daughter more than life itself and spoke of them constantly. He was so proud of his children and hopeful for their futures. He cherished his loyal companion and service dog, Trooper.

He dedicated his life to the service of others, helping feed hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees through his leadership of Heart of an Ace and his volunteer service with Moral Compass Federation and Task Force Argo, helping Afghan families through their journey to the U.S.. Matt didn't just serve in combat; he served in compassion. Whether navigating the chaos of war or the quiet of logistics, Matt showed up every time with a heart that carried others through. In his own words, “service to a higher purpose is an important part of being an American.” Whether it was his fellow Marines, other volunteers, or families in crisis, Matt showed up. He was a staunch advocate and pillar of support for at-risk veterans suffering with PTSD, helping them through to recovery. His loyalty ran deep, and his leadership was rooted in action, humility, and heart.

Funds raised will be used for funeral and memorial expenses as well as other emergent expenses during this difficult time.