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Former LHS grad killed in Iraq

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Former Leander High School graduate Matthew R. Vandegrift died Monday while conducting combat operations in Basrah, Iraq, as a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the second former LISD student to die in Iraq this month. Spc. Matthew Morris was killed on April 6.

According to the Department of Defense's website, 1st Lt. Matthew R. Vandegrift, 28, of Littleton, Colo., died April 21 from wounds he suffered while conducting combat operations in Basrah. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Vandegrift lived in the Steiner Ranch area for many years and graduated from Leander High School in 1999. He graduated from Texas A&M University and got his commission through Officer Candidate School. Matt played football at Leander High. As a senior in the 1998 Hill Country News Kickoff guide, he was listed as a 6-foot-3, 191-pound wide receiver. A few coaches on hand at the Leander softball game Thursday night remembered him and said he also played backup quarterback.

Matt's brother, Barrett, graduated from Cedar Park High School and then from the Air Force Academy. He is currently on active duty.

Matt Vandegrift's funeral is scheduled for Monday, April 28, 10 a.m. at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, Colo.

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