Semper Fidelis: The "Corporal Matthew Thomas Richard Memorial Highway": From Iota to Afghanistan, the life and legacy of Corporal Matthew Thomas Richard.

At a mere 21 years old, Corporal Matthew Thomas Richard of the United States Marine Corps gave his life in service of his country while deployed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. A team leader in the 2nd Battalion/8th Marines, Corporal Richard was killed in an IED explosion, after safely evacuating his team from danger. The War in Afghanistan was known for the prevalence of IED's (improvised explosive devices) , which posed grave danger to both civilians and soldiers alike. In a commendation received after his death, Corporal Richard was cited as “a highly courageous and dynamic leader” whose “initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.” Corporal Richard’s selfless sacrifice in Afghanistan is a testament to how he lived, a life memorialized along Louisiana Highway 91, which runs through his hometown of Iota, Louisiana.

Born to parents Jeff and Alicia Ardoin Richard, Corporal Richard grew up in the Iota community surrounded by loving friends and family. A graduate of Iota High School, Corporal Richard was described as an avid outdoorsman and football player. Beyond his love of sports and the outdoors, Corporal Richard “loved his family, loved his friends, and loved his country.” Moreover, Corporal Richard was remembered as an incredibly compassionate and caring individual who had a heart for service. The passion with which Corporal Richard held for taking care of others inspired him to enlist in the Marine Corps upon graduating from high school, as it was his dream to serve his country and alongside his fellow Marines. Corporal Richard’s determination to serve his country led him to be deployed in Afghanistan, where he was an exemplary Marine. Corporal Richard was remembered fondly by his fellow Marines for his “unbridled, comical personality and contagious enthusiasm” and as an “extraordinarily driven individual.”

After his death, Corporal Richard’s larger than life legacy would be honored with a foundation and a roadway bearing his name. Founded by his parents after his death, The Corporal Matthew Richard Memorial Foundation was created to “ensure that the death of our son does not end in only sorrow and pain” and “to bring help to those who are still here.” To further honor his legacy, a portion of Louisiana Highway 91 in Iota was designated the “Corporal Matthew Thomas Richard Memorial Highway” in 2015. Unlike the foundation, which was started by Corporal Richard’s parents, the mission to name a roadway in his honor began with an Iota eighth grader named Collin Steen. An Eagle Scout who was one of many that attended the funeral procession for Corporal Richard. Steen was inspired to begin a campaign to see Corporal Richard honored on one of Louisiana’s roadways. Steen, who was 13 at the time, wrote to Representative Jack Montoucet asking for legislation to authorize a road named for Corporal Richard. After the legislation passed, the new sign bearing Corporal Richard’s name was unveiled in Iota at his parents home, with Representative Montoucet remarking that he hoped “those who traveled the road and saw the sign were not only reminded of Richard but would say a prayer for him, his family, and remember all who serve the U.S.”

Today Corporal Richard’s legacy continues to shine through the efforts of his parents and the community in which he was raised. After his death, Iota “rallied around the Richard family and the family, in turn, has turned itself back into the community, creating scholarships and a memorial 5K run.” As of 2021, the Corporal Matthew Ricard Memorial Foundation had raised an estimated $170,000, “with most of the money helping organizations that assist veterans.” Additionally, the Foundation donates to community projects and awards a $1,000 scholarship to an Iota High School graduate every year.” While the circumstances surrounding Corporal Richard’s death were indeed heartbreaking, the efforts made by his family and community members shows the strength of small towns in the wake of tragedy. The Iota community surrounded Corporal Richard’s family with love and support in the wake of his passing, and continue to do so even over a decade after. Speaking about the efforts to keep Corporal Richard’s memory alive, his father Jeff proclaimed that “We are not going to let him be forgotten.” As long as the “Corporal Matthew Thomas Richard Memorial Highway” remains named and a sign stands tall, the life, sacrifice, and legacy of Corporal Richard will not be forgotten.