Condolence From: Patricia Dees (née Ho)
Condolence: Dear Groover Family,
It’s May 2021 and HGTV is doing a special on renovating Wetumpka, Alabama. I tell myself, “I know someone from there— Matt Groover!). He and I were in the same flight at AFROTC summer camp in 1984 and I have never forgotten him. He was the first “southern gentleman” I had ever met and he was always so polite. He left a great impression on me for being so great to everyone. I googled him and saw that he had passed. My condolences to you for your loss, and I hope time has made his passing softer and now focused on just good memories. I live in Prince William County and wish I had known he was living in the area. I have some picture of him at summer camp, if you are interested. Please let me know. Sincerely, Pat Dees (pwjhdees@comcast.net)
Sunday May 02, 2021
Condolence From: John Rhoads
Condolence: Matt and I were in Hotel Flight together during ROTC Boot Camp in the 80's. We were both from schools in Alabama and stayed in touch while we were back in school and as he started his career in the Air Force. He had such a great sense of humor and wonderful spirit. I'm glad that he touch so many other lives through his career. I'll always remember his great smile and true friendship.
Wednesday February 03, 2021
Condolence From: Joseph Alford
Condolence: Sandy and Hannah,
Thinking of you both during this difficult time of year. Matt was a wonderful mentor to so many, including me. Wishing you all the best.
Joseph Alford
Wednesday August 03, 2016
Condolence From: Angela Byrd
Condolence: My heart and prayers go out to the Groover family. I went to school with Matt, he was always a kind hearted person. I know he will continue to watch over each of you everyday.
Fly high Matt!!!
Sunday October 18, 2015
Condolence From: John Farrell, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.)
Condolence: Groover family, I was so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. I was the First Sergeant (Shirt) for the 317th Recruiting Squadron from 2002 - 2005, which was headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area. I saw Matt last in 2012 at his Shirt's (CMSgt Ray Lagasse's) retirement ceremony at Arlington. What I remember about Matt is he had such a great sense of humor and a very quick wit. Whenever we were visiting the 360 Recruiting Group in Massachusetts invariably there would be a get together/social/dinner where all six squadron Commander's, Shirt's, and Superintendent's attended. The uniform of the day was a dress collared shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes. For whatever reason Matt always dressed in a suit. As a result we affectionately referred to him as "The Senator" and the nickname stuck with him the rest of his tour. :) The world is a little less cheerful with Matt not in it but I relish in the great memories I'll always have.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Condolence From: Steve Young
Condolence: Dear Groover Family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Matt's passing today. I greatly enjoyed working with Matt when he was a member of the 10th Missile Squadron at Malmstrom AFB - he was a wonderful person, an outstanding officer and was always so upbeat and fun to be around. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve Young
Aurora, CO
Friday August 14, 2015
Condolence From: Jaimie Hutchison
Condolence: Sandy and Hannah, (then) Major Groover was so amazing to Wayne and I when Wayne was a young Lt. working with him on crew and under his command. Your whole family was so lovely and I could see what a loving, tight knit family you were. Groover was a role model to Wayne and we were both very saddened by the news of his passing. He left an impression on us that will last a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am sure you already know how beloved he was as a mentor and leader. So sorry for your loss.
Friday August 14, 2015
Condolence From: Gary and Tanya Harencak
Condolence: On behalf of all of us at HQ AF A10, please except our deepest condolences. Matt was a great teammate, awesome Airman and valued member of the A10 family. He made a huge positive difference for A10, our Air Force and our nation. He will be missed by all of us in the US Air Force. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Thursday August 13, 2015
Condolence From: Steve Long, SMSgt, USAF (Ret)
Condolence: To the Groover Family,
My heartfelt condolences to you. I served with Matthew while in the 360th Recruiting Group when he was a squadron commander. He was a true gentleman and a class act. When all of the squadron leadership in the northeast would gather for a conference, he was always a joy to listen to when he told a story. God bless.
Steve
Thursday August 13, 2015
Condolence From: Andrew Hackleman
Condolence: Dear Groover family:
Please accept my condolences. I had the pleasure of working with Matt this past year, while assigned to AF/A10.
I know Matt was great at his job, but what made him special was that he was a joy to be with. He brought kindness to the work center and always had a positive outlook. [I looked forward to lunch time when I knew he'd be brushing his teeth and we'd chat for a few minutes, nearly every day.]
May you have peace and happiness, despite the tragedy of losing Matt too soon.
With empathy,
Andrew Hackleman (AF/A10 co-worker)
Thursday August 13, 2015
