The story behind one tragedy: “I can still see him out in the yard just running around.”

The death of one man is a tragedy. The death of millions is a statistic — Joseph Stalin

From the US Department of Defense:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Matthew K. Reece, 24, of Harrison, Ark., died Dec. 1, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

From The Fayetteville Observer:

Sharon Reece said her nephew grew up with her sons in Arkansas. She said she still remembers them out in the yard playing.

“He was a typical child,” she said. “I can still see him out in the yard just running around.”

Reece joined the Army in September 2005. An avid hunter and fisherman, he took to being an infantryman. His aunt said he loved the service.

Reece is survived by his wife, Chauntelle Reece, two children — daughter Alyssa and son Teagan — and his parents Preston Reece and Tammy Vanderwaal.