The Coast Guard Auxiliary District National Capital Region-Central Luzon (CGADNCR-CL) and the entire Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) mourns the untimely demise of one of its very active volunteer and prime asset CAPT MATTHEW F CALDWELL PCGA (AO-01-0669).
Known as “Matt” to his friends, he utilized his extraordinary diving skills by staunchly protecting the Philippine coral reefs and volunteering as a search and rescue expert. Indeed, he was distinguished by diving into depths and circumstances that only a few are qualified to even attempt.
He did technical dives during the sinking incidents of the Super Ferry 14 in 2004, MV Princess of the Stars in 2008, MV Catalyn B in 2009 and MV Baleno last January among others. Highly notable of this was when he provided gas mixing and technical support during the Oplan Kalihim for the search and retrieval operations for the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.
Capt. Caldwell has also provided technical support and dives including provision of equipment and supplies without remuneration in several search, rescue and retrieval operations.
In lieu of such, he received numerous awards and ribbons for his service, to include the Gold Star – the highest civilian award given by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC).
Capt. Caldwell has been living in the Philippines for 34 years, during such time, he worked as a top executive of Allegro Microsystems, a global company that develops, manufactures and markets high-performance semiconductors.
In a very unfortunate incident on the night of 15 August, Capt. Caldwell passed away when fatally shot by a subdivision security guard in Las Pinas City. He was 59.
His remains lie in state at the La Funeraria Paz in Manila Memorial Park, Sucat, Paranaque. Necrological services and cremation is scheduled in the afternoon today, 19 August 2013.
Capt. Caldwell will be mostly remembered for his love of the Philippines and its people.
According to the statement of CDR VANESSA I GARON-VANDEVOORT PCGA, who was also Matt’s close friend, “he had the heart of a true Filipino. He was a kind and generous man who was a loyal and true friend who shall be sorely missed.”
The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary salutes a great leader, volunteer and friend with prayers for his peaceful journey.
(CGAD PIO)
Known as “Matt” to his friends, he utilized his extraordinary diving skills by staunchly protecting the Philippine coral reefs and volunteering as a search and rescue expert. Indeed, he was distinguished by diving into depths and circumstances that only a few are qualified to even attempt.
He did technical dives during the sinking incidents of the Super Ferry 14 in 2004, MV Princess of the Stars in 2008, MV Catalyn B in 2009 and MV Baleno last January among others. Highly notable of this was when he provided gas mixing and technical support during the Oplan Kalihim for the search and retrieval operations for the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.
Capt. Caldwell has also provided technical support and dives including provision of equipment and supplies without remuneration in several search, rescue and retrieval operations.
In lieu of such, he received numerous awards and ribbons for his service, to include the Gold Star – the highest civilian award given by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC).
Capt. Caldwell has been living in the Philippines for 34 years, during such time, he worked as a top executive of Allegro Microsystems, a global company that develops, manufactures and markets high-performance semiconductors.
In a very unfortunate incident on the night of 15 August, Capt. Caldwell passed away when fatally shot by a subdivision security guard in Las Pinas City. He was 59.
His remains lie in state at the La Funeraria Paz in Manila Memorial Park, Sucat, Paranaque. Necrological services and cremation is scheduled in the afternoon today, 19 August 2013.
Capt. Caldwell will be mostly remembered for his love of the Philippines and its people.
According to the statement of CDR VANESSA I GARON-VANDEVOORT PCGA, who was also Matt’s close friend, “he had the heart of a true Filipino. He was a kind and generous man who was a loyal and true friend who shall be sorely missed.”
The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary salutes a great leader, volunteer and friend with prayers for his peaceful journey.
(CGAD PIO)