Larson finds matrimony before war
|
Larson married his girlfriend Megan Patterson about a week before the local National Guard unit was sent to Camp Shelby to begin training for eventual deployment to Iraq.
“The toughest part about leaving is leaving my wife, family and friends,” said Larson, who continues a family tradition of serving in the military. “It’s hard to go being married only a week.”
While the months apart have been difficult for the newlyweds, Larson is concentrating on the task at hand. He emphasized that the training at Camp Shelby and in California has gotten his unit prepared to enter the hostile environment of Iraq.
“With our training, I don’t think we’ll have any problems over there,” said Larson. “I’m ready.”
Larson’s primary duty is driving a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. He says it’s not at all like driving a car.
“You have four periscopes that you see through,” said Larson. “The good thing about it is you don’t have to think. You just go the way they tell you to go.”
The Bradley Fighting Vehicle can reach speeds of 60 mph and can conquer rugged terrain. Larson said the California landscape put the vehicles to the test and they answered the challenge by climbing large rock formations with ease.
Larson enjoyed spending time with Megan during his recent leave. The two even had the chance to see the Titans play Cincinnati in Nashville. It was Megan’s first NFL football game and she was treated to the Titans’ only home win this season.
“Knowing that you have to go is the only thing that makes leaving easy,” said Larson. “If it wasn’t for that, there’s nothing easy about leaving.”
Matt is the son of Art and Lena Larson. He has one sister, Jenifer, who will also continue the family’s military tradition. She has enlisted in the Navy.