Soldier fights off cancer to fight in Iraq

Photo By Spc. William Hatton | Pfc. Matthew Moody, an infantryman with C Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, scans his designated area for intruders during a mission outside a neighborhood being controlled by coalition forces. Moody, a native of Springfield, Ore., was diagnosed with cancer prior to his unit being deployed to Iraq. After fighting off the cancer, Moody was able to return to his unit in Iraq.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.19.2007

Story by Spc. William Hatton 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Pfc. William Hatton
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Service members have different reasons for joining the military. Whether it's a love of country or wanting to secure their future, there is always a reason to serve.

For Pfc. Matthew Moody, an infantryman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team., 2nd Infantry Division, joining the Army was more than just providing security for his future. Joining the military was a way to honor his fallen friends.

Moody said that he had friends killed in action while they were serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

"One of the biggest reasons I joined the Army was not necessarily to avenge my friends' deaths, but to honor their deaths by continuing where they left off," said Moody, a native of Springfield, Ore. "It just felt like the right thing to do."

When asked by a recruiter what he wanted to do for the Army, Moody replied that all he really wanted to do was kick in doors with a shotgun in his hands. The recruiter said that a he couldn't guarantee a shotgun, but that he could guarantee an M-16, which led to him to the infantry.

Since joining the military, Moody said he has come to love serving his country. That love helped him fight his way into the fight in Iraq.

Following completion of his training, he was assigned to his unit with a looming Iraqi deployment. As the rest of his new unit prepared for their deployment, Moody found out that he would not be going to Iraq, and that service to his country might come to an abrupt halt.

He had been diagnosed with cancer forcing him to remain behind as his new-found friends left for Iraq.

Moody said his only option was to fight his illness. Finally, he was declared fit to fight.

"I was happy because I really wanted to be with my buddies in Iraq," he said.
Moody's unit spends much of their time kicking in doors searching for bad guys and conducting clearing operations and cordon and search missions.

He said he has come to enjoy his time in Iraq, taking in the scenery and doing what he has come to love.

With the fight for his life over, and gaining a love for his job, Moody said he now looks forward to continuing his services in Iraq and returning home.

• Date Taken: 02.19.2007
• Date Posted: 02.19.2007 10:03
• Story ID: 9173
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ