Matthew Lembke was a happy, light-spirited, kind person. Nicknamed “Lumpy” by the football coach of Tualatin High School, Matt played defensive end for the Timberwolves. A 2005 Graduate of Tualatin High, he joined the Marines. In June 2009, serving a third tour in Afghanistan after serving two previous tours in Iraq, Matt was critically injured. It happened while on foot patrol, when an IED exploded, causing critical injury to both legs. After 18 days fighting for his life, Matt succumbed to infection caused by the blast.
Scholarship
In honor of Matt’s character and service, a scholarship was created in his name. For 12 years, several scholarships have been awarded to graduating seniors for college. A total of $227,500.00 was raised and awarded in the Corporal Matthew Lembke Memorial Scholarships. Now, we are transitioning to the Tualatin Rotary Scholarship which supports first-generation college students from Tualatin High School. This program has raised and awarded over $125,000 in scholarships over the past 12 years and we look forward to continuing these efforts through the Regatta Run fundraiser.
Tribute from President Obama
Matt’s Marine Brothers- some come to the Regatta Run to honor and remember him
