Patriot Connections Dog Tag Project was recently contacted by David Ross after he unearthed a military dog tag during his metal detecting expedition in Nampa, Idaho. Mr. Ross sought assistance in locating the veteran that they belonged to, and without hesitation, Sue Quinn-Morris, our dedicated researcher, gladly stepped in to help and plans are now underway to have the dog tag returned to this hero veteran's son. 

The dog tag belongs to Robert Charles Mathews. 

Robert Charles Mathews was born on January 16, 1924, in Benkelman, Nebraska. His family later moved to Idaho, where Robert went on to join the US Marines, where he served from 1943 to 1946.

 He married Grace Eloise Marshall in June 1947 and they had two children – Robert Jr and Barbara. After residing in Idaho, they moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where Robert Sr was an electrical contractor, owning Webb Johnson Electric.

At the age of 94, Robert C Mathews Sr passed away on September 2, 2018 at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. He was interred at Mountain View Memorial Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

Contact was made with his son, Bob Matthews Jr, and he so graciously shared many memories about his dad's life.

Bob Matthews Legacy is a testament to the love and pride that Bob Sr. must feel as he watches over his family from above. Bob Jr.'s generosity in sharing details about his father and their family history allows us to honor and appreciate the legacy left behind. The memories and stories passed down are a heartfelt reminder of the impact Bob Sr. made during his life, including his time serving our country during WWII. 

Bob Mathews Sr had 2 children, 4 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren - the Matthews family boasts an impressive lineage spanning four generations of Robert C. Matthews, leaving an indelible mark on the music world as well.

Robert Jr., a devoted music educator for 42 years, spreading his love for fiddling across Cheyenne, Wyoming. With a remarkable academic resume encompassing degrees in music education, ethnomusicology, and dual doctorates in education and music composition, his expertise shines through a myriad of orchestral works and commissioned pieces. Transitioning seamlessly from symphonies to bluegrass, his versatile talent echoed through the generations.

Robert III., carrying the torch, enriched the family tradition with a focus on violin performance and guitar, juxtaposed against a successful career as an enterprise-level developer and was a Cheyenne Frontier Days General Committee chairman.

Robert IV also plays violin and is in college. The other grandson, Owen, and also plays violin. Bob Jr's wife, Debbie, is a musician and taught music for 42 years and plays guitar with Bob Jr and their band and still teaches one of the local children's choirs.

Bob Sr's granddaughter, Lori,  is a musician and has a private studio with over 100 students. She teaches all instruments but her main ones are clarinet and violin. Bob Sr's great grandchildren (twins)  who also play violin.

Together they have the Mathews Band and play locally and for Cheyenne Frontier Days.

As they gathered to bid a final farewell to Bob Mathews Sr in 2018, the entire family played and sang at his funeral

In Robert "Bob" Mathews JR's  bio, it states. "Bob’s father served as a U.S. Marine during WWII and his stories and patriotism instilled in Bob a strong appreciation, passion and respect for history and the Military. As a result, he always included historic pieces and patriotic songs in his classes’ repertoire, and every concert began with the Star Spangled Banner.  His students often commented that they “learned more history from Mr. Mathews than in their history classes”."

Click here for more information regarding this WWII heroes time in the service. This information is from his son, Robert Jr, ...

David Ross sent his fathers military dog tag to him in November 2025.