To people who knew him, Matthew was known for his gentle spirit, his kindness, and willingness to do anything for friends and strangers alike. These attributes were second nature. He was also known for his practical jokes, good natured sarcasm and quick-wit that often got him in and out of trouble in the blink of an eye. Friends remember him quietly offering words of support and encouragement, as well as randomly reaching out to them when they needed it the most.
Matty, as he was known, was a talented chef who at the age of 28 could no longer put off his calling to join the US Army. Assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, 4th Battalion, Parachute Infantry Regiment, Matthew and his brothers-in-arms were dispatched to Afghanistan where they were in combat almost daily. Even through war, Matty’s giving spirit was evident. Whether he was making hats made from old newspapers for the Afghan children he encountered on patrol, or using his chef’s skills to make MRE’s palatable for his brothers, his nature showed through even in the worst of situations.
Absolutely no angel, his high school principal once told his father, “if you are trying to raise a good student, you have failed. But, if you are trying to raise a good person, you have succeeded beyond measure.”
Matthew “Matty” Gallagher
About Us
The Random Acts Foundation was created to honor a life that continues to inspire kindness, connection, and compassion. In memory of Matthew “Matty” Gallagher, we are committed to keeping his spirit alive in a simple yet powerful way, through everyday acts of kindness.
Our ultimate goal is to inspire everyday citizens to think about and follow through on doing some form of random act of kindness on a daily basis. We believe that even the smallest gesture can create a ripple effect. A helping hand, a kind word, or a thoughtful act can change someone’s day, and sometimes even their life.
Our Mission
The mission of the Matthew Gallagher Random Acts Foundation is to recognize, reward, and inspire random acts of kindness. Matty knew that even the simplest act of kindness could have a huge impact on both the receiver of the act of kindness and equally important, the doer of the act. Our focus is to continue the legacy of our son, brother and friend.