Matthew Gonzales

United States Army Sergeant Matthew Gonzales passed away on January 10, 2015, from a service-connected cancer as a result of toxic burn pit exposure during his deployment to Iraq. 

Gonzales grew up in Spring Hill, Kansas, surrounded by a large, loving family. As the first grandchild on both sides of the family and the oldest of five siblings, he was cherished by his parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Known for his great sense of humor and playful personality, Gonzales loved connecting with others, making them laugh, and lifting their spirits. He treasured making memories with family and friends and found fulfillment in giving back to his community. Growing up, he participated in community service projects through various organizations and continued his commitment to service through his college fraternity. He was also selected to participate in Boys State during high school, an experience that was dear to his heart. 

Inspired by his father, grandfather, and uncles, who proudly served their country, Gonzales joined the Army Reserve in 2003 to honor his family’s legacy while pursuing career and educational opportunities. He deployed to Iraq in 2007, serving with a combat support hospital, where he helped support the care for wounded service members. His military service was deeply important to him, and the opportunity to support fellow service members during their time of need remained especially meaningful to him throughout his life. 

In recognition of his service and sacrifice, Gonzales received multiple military awards and recognitions. Prior to his passing, he was also presented with a Presidential award through his local VA in acknowledgment of his dedication and service to his country. His military honors, as listed on his DD-214, included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. 

Gonzales and his wife, Elizabeth, went on a first date that turned into a dinner lasting several hours. Their connection was effortless from the start, and they quickly discovered how much they enjoyed each other’s company. They went on several more dates over the following weeks. Elizabeth was initially drawn to his beautiful green eyes, but it was his smile, sense of humor, and caring heart that won her over. Together, they cherished spending time with family and friends and enjoying both the little and big moments in life. 

After his deployment, Gonzales fulfilled a lifelong dream of attending the University of Kansas, using his GI Bill to pursue his education full-time. He embraced college life, 

enjoyed sporting events and time with his fraternity, and proudly celebrated his accomplishments at graduation. Gonzales returned to school to obtain his master’s degree and was successfully completing the program when he had to withdraw due to the gravity of his illness. 

One of Elizabeth’s most treasured memories was welcoming their first daughter. Gonzales was incredibly proud and excited to become a father, and the first time he held his daughter was both an emotional and beautiful moment. Gonzales joyfully looked forward to welcoming their second child in 2015 and knew in his heart that it would be a second daughter and lifelong friend to his first daughter. Unfortunately, he succumbed to cancer before her birth. 

Their life together was filled with cherished memories, from their unforgettable wedding day, surrounded by family and friends, to their adventurous honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, where they explored beaches, farmlands, and underwater wonders. 

Among other meaningful memories is the winter of 2012–2013, when a major snowstorm left them snowed-in for days while she was pregnant with their first daughter. When they craved tacos, Gonzales fired up the grill and headed outside to barbecue in the freezing cold, wearing only shorts and a T-shirt. A photograph of him grilling in the snow has become a treasured family memory that continues to make their daughters laugh whenever they see it. 

Gonzales will be remembered for his ever-present smile, his ability to make others laugh, and his unwavering faith, which remained steadfast throughout his battle with cancer. He endured his illness with faith, hope, and determination, always wanting others to laugh and enjoy life. A passionate sports fan, he especially loved the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and University of Kansas Jayhawks. Above all, he wanted his children to know how deeply he loved them and how much he wanted the very best for their lives, even if he could not be there with them. His daughters reflect his legacy through their appearance, personalities, faith, and servant hearts, and they remain his greatest treasures. Even as he faced his final days, Gonzales wanted to continue giving to others. Although the spread of his cancer prevented him from becoming an organ donor, he found comfort in knowing he could donate his corneas. Following his passing, two people received the gift of sight through his cornea donations, bringing his family peace and comfort in knowing that his legacy truly lives on through others. 

Gonzales’s memory continues to be honored by his wife and daughters through support for local organizations serving unhoused veterans, unhoused individuals, food pantries, those undergoing cancer treatments, surviving military families, and others in need. They invite family and friends to come together for service projects in his honor, including collecting essential items for local pantries, hosting lemonade stands that have raised nearly $2,000 for nonprofit organizations, creating and distributing blessing bags, and preparing and serving meals or ice cream sundae bars, one of his favorite treats, to local veteran communities, individuals undergoing cancer treatments, and underserved individuals and communities. Through these acts of service, his loved ones continue to keep his memory alive and share hope with others. 

United States Army Sergeant Matthew Gonzales is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their beloved daughters. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Gonzales family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.