Matt and I met when we were both still kids. I was 19 and had just graduated Cavalry Scout OSUT training at Ft Knox and he had just returned from a deployment in Iraq. As we were assigned to the same scout platoon I was around him quite often and soon learned that he wasn't your average Joe. He was always talking about these ideas he had for advanced weapons and armor suits with built in guns and as a young guy it fascinated me to listen to him. We ended up car pooling to our drills together often, and were assigned to the Bradley section of the scout platoon together. He was a subject matter expert,  and always helped when anyone else was struggling with their vehicle or weapon system. His Bradley and 25mm M242 chain gun were always in perfect order, his mechanical aptitude was exceptional. 
As we grew older, he was promoted to a different unit but we stayed close friends. Matt was there for me during some of the most difficult times in my life, when other friends left he still stayed. We spent many sleepless nights, partying, talking, drinking, singing karaoke, smoking cigarettes, etc. He was the closest thing to a brother I ever had. Matt was unique from most folks in the regard that he didnt want anything from you, other than quality time and a good conversation. We made a last minute decision when Bon Jovi was in town and got nosebleed tickets and had a blast, he went wild when they left stage and came back out to sing Wanted Dead or Alive as the encore. He loved music and would play the drums quite well, as I'd try to jam along on the guitar. 
I had a job at a window factory for awhile and Matt came and worked with me there so we could hang out and both get paid at the same time.That only ended up lasting about a month before I got an opportunity to go back and work as a parts guy at a Harley dealership. They needed another guy so Matt made the transition too. He was like a sponge and learned quickly, easily surpassing my interest and knowledge in motorcycles as well. We enjoyed many days of work together, it didn't seem like work when he was there to chat and crack jokes. He bought a street bob and modified it himself, installing a 124" SS big bore kit, sharp pointed ape hangers, a sissy bar, and loud pipe,  and tuned it. It ran like a top.The bike was just like him, bad ass and in a class all its own. He lived out on gravel as I did so I helped him pick out some knobby Pirelli MT60 tires that helped with traction. 
I left HD to pursue other ventures in 2020. Matt stayed on but we were still inseparable. He and his parents were among the few family members we were able to have at our wedding because of covid restrictions. I made a number of trips out to his place to hang out and visit during that summer. It was fascinating to watch him work on his bike. I admired his confidence and skill, he would sit there on the shop floor installing piston rings with nothing but the instruction manual included in the kit to guide him. He loved a challenge especially if it was mechanical.
Matt decided he loved working on motorcycles so much that he wanted to do that. He made it his goal to attend MMI in Phoenix and get certified as a Harley technician. I spent some time on the phone with him while he was out of state visiting family and he was excited for new roads and new horizons to explore. After he arrived at MMI he was somewhat disappointed as the classes he was starting in were not as challenging as he had hoped, he already had been building engines so he got a little bored with engine part identification. However he persevered and he told me he enjoyed helping the others in his class with their tasks. The last time I talked to him was 6/6/21. My wife and I had been home from the hospital a few days and he was so excited and happy for us for the birth of our firstborn daughter. We talked about his classes, things in Arizona, things here and a little of everything in between. If I had known it would be that last call I'd have spent all day talking to him. Here's to the best friend I ever had. May your soul rest in peace through the ages till we meet again my brother. I'll love and miss you forever bromie.