Maupin's Mother Supports Others While Waiting For Her Missing Son

Carolyn  Maupin still waits for news about her son, Matt. After 2 years, he's the only member of our military who remains unaccounted for.

"I honestly thought he'd be back by now," she said. "I didn't think it would take this long.

Pictures of Matt are placed inside the boxes of goodies sent to troops in Iraq by the Maupins' Yellow Ribbon Support Center - a storefront operation near the Sam's Club where Matt used to work.

Sgt. Maupin has been missing since April 9, 2004, when his convoy was ambushed near Baghdad.

A week later, Arab television network Al-Jazeera aired a videotape showing Maupin sitting on the floor surrounded by five masked men holding automatic rifles.

The Maupins have been busy getting computers to soldiers stationed in Iraq and hope to raise $100,00 to fund scholarships in the name of area soldiers who have died in Iraq.

"They have a great deal of courage," said Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt, an avid supporter who lives in Loveland near the Maupins' hometown. "They've kept the candle burning for Matt; they're also keeping it burning for every member of the military."

Matt's brother, Micah, is a Marine Cpl. stationed in California.

Please keep all of our military members and their families in your prayers.

Links: Missing Soldier's Mother Hopeful, Area 417 : Remember Those Who Serve, Cincinnati.com: Hometown holds on to hope, Blackfive: Sgt. Matt Maupin, Ohio's Veterans Assoc. Heroes: Tribute to Sgt. Matt Maupin