While Colleen Parkin was sifting through her son's papers this week, she found an image that brought her both pain and pride. It was a picture her son drew when he was about 8 years old.
   
    "It was a helicopter," she said. "The same kind he went down in. And it said Marines on it."
   
    Cpl. Matthew Smith of West Valley City died Jan. 26 when his CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crashed in western Iraq while transporting troops for security operations in preparation for Sunday's elections.
   
    The body of the 24-year-old Marine, who Parkin says was destined for military duty, returned to Utah on Tuesday night with full honors. "There's been a lot of rejoicing knowing that he's home," she said.
   
    Friends and family members grieved as Smith's coffin, draped with a U.S. flag, was wheeled through the Delta Air Lines cargo terminal and into a waiting hearse. Parkin walked with the Marines who served as pallbearers and laid a gentle kiss with her hand on the casket.
   
    "I knew my boy was there," Parkin said.
   
    Smith was one of 31 servicemen killed when their chopper from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing crashed.
   
    It was the single deadliest event for U.S. troops since they invaded Iraq in March 2003.
   
    Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at noon at the Salt Lake Jordan LDS Stake Center, 3700 W. 4700 South, West Valley City. Those wishing to share their memories of Smith can visit http://www. remembermatt.com.
   
    mwestley@sltrib.com