Maupin computer labs dedicated at MWR facilities

Photo By Sgt. Spencer Case | Brig. Gen. Rebecca Halstead addresses Soldiers during the dedication of the MWR West Matt Maupin Computer Lab at Logistical Support Area Anaconda Feb. 14. The computers were donated by the family of Keith "Matt" Maupin, who was captured by enemy forces April 9, 2004.  

02.14.2006

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

Troops at Logistical Support Area Anaconda dedicated two 24-hour computer labs on behalf of Sgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin, the only Soldier still listed as captured in the war on terror, Feb. 14.

Maupin's parents, Keith and Carolyn Maupin, of Union Township, Ohio, donated 90 computers with web cams to help deployed troops stay in touch with loved ones.

The computers are now being used in three Matt Maupin Computer labs, the first of which opened at the Blackjack Education Center in September.

The new labs, located at the east and west Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities, complete the project.

"Today's dedication brings Mr. and Mrs. Maupin's dreams to fruition," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Stegmann of Missouri's 35th Area Support Group, during the introduction of the computer lab in the MWR East Center.

"Today, fulfillment is achieved by the friends and family of Sgt. Maupin because today Mr. and Mrs. Maupin are enabling servicemembers, currently stationed at LSA Anaconda, to make communications with friends and family members."

Brig. Gen. Rebecca Halstead, the commander of 3rd Corps Support Command and LSA Anaconda, gave remarks at both dedications.

"With each strike of the key someone is sending someone else a message that "I'm OK, I'm safe, I'm alright" or "I'm not OK and need support,"" she said to a group of about 50 servicemembers who had come to honor Maupin at the MWR East dedication.

"And we can thank Sgt. Maupin's mom and dad for making that happen for a lot of Soldiers in the way they wanted it to happen for their Soldier." Halstead added that she applauds Maupin's parents for "never giving up" hope. She also said that she carries a photo of Maupin in her notebook to remember him.

Maupin, from Batavia, Ohio, graduated from Glen Este High School in 2001 with a 3.85 grade point average.

He joined the Army Reserve and was assigned to the 724th Transportation Company from Bartonville, Ill. Maupin arrived in Iraq in February 2004 with the 724th in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where his unit's primary mission was transporting fuel.

During phone calls home he complained that the computers provided for Soldiers to e-mail family members were inadequate.

Maupin's combat logistics patrol came under attack by small arms fire near Baghdad International Airport on April 9, 2004, the anniversary of the fall of Baghdad.

After the attack, his official status was listed as "Whereabouts Unknown." A video broadcast April 16 on Al-Jazeera showed Maupin alive, sitting on the floor surrounded by armed men. His official status then changed from "Whereabouts Unknown" to "Captured."

Maupin's family, community and the Army still hope he will be found a year an a half after his capture. He has received two promotions since his capture, first to specialist, then to sergeant.

The three computer centers, with photos of Maupin on each desktop computer, will help keep Maupin in the hearts and prayers of troops at LSA Anaconda.

"On behalf of all the Soldiers, I know we all appreciate having these computers," said Staff Sgt. Katharyn Mudd, a multimedia illustrator with the 35th ASG.

Sgt. Robert Koelling, a truck driver for the 35th ASG said, "It's a perfect tool for family, friends, anybody, just to let them know you're OK."

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• Date Taken: 02.14.2006
• Date Posted: 02.23.2006 09:39
• Story ID: 5473