Private Matthew Loughman was born in Finley on January 23, 1948, to Matthew ‘Max’ Loughman and Mary (nee Jolley) Loughman.
In 1968 he was called up for National Service and trained as a soldier at Puckapunyal, before going to Vietnam in 1969 to serve his country.
When his family farewelled him on this journey, they had no idea it would be the last time they saw their beloved son and brother.
Pte Loughman is one of two Vietnam War veterans who will be honoured at a special memorial service at the Finley cemetery on August 3, at 11am.
Matthew was the eldest child and big brother to his siblings Nano, Mary Therese (dec), Denis, Cathy, Kevin (dec), Joan and Greg.
He was educated at St Joseph’s Primary School in Finley then went on to Finley High School.
He successfully passed the entrance exam into the Commonwealth Public Service, Department of Defence supply section in Melbourne.
He spent some years there until he was conscripted to National Service in the Army and sent to Vietnam.
He was assigned to the HQ1 Australian Logistic Support Group.
His family was devastated to hear of his passing, following a cerebral aneurysm, on July 19, 1969.
With heavy hearts, they prepared for his burial in the Finley cemetery.
Father Josko officiated at the Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Catholic Church, where Matthew received a full military service.
Twenty soldiers were bused in from Kapooka Military Base for the parade which included a procession down the main street of Finley and a 21-gun salute at the graveside.
Little did his family know that 54 years later, a young soldier Roger Hanlon, who was one of the parties who folded the flag and presented it to his parents, would be laid to rest just a short distance from him.
Although only 21 years of age when passing, Matthew’s siblings remember him as a kind and helpful brother who would try to help in any way he could.
His sister Nano remembers him trying to teach her how to do algebra.
Nano says she never learned, but was in awe that he knew how to do it.
He was an avid reader, loved going to their grandfather’s farm to milk cows and even found time to play football for the Finley thirds.
”I often think how sad it was that he never saw man walk on the moon, as he died two days before,“ Nano said.
“The greatest loss, apart from our family, was the fact that he never grew to his potential, and we never got to see the exceptional adult he would have become.”
Mr Hanlon’s story will be included in next week’s Southern Riverina News.