Yesterday, June 30, 2016
was Matt's last official day as an active duty soldier in the United States Army.
At his retirement celebration back in March I told him
and all of our guests how proud I am of him.
Not just because he chose to serve or that he served for over 20 years,
but because he served well.
Matt navigated his way through the Army seizing every opportunity.
He started his career as an infantryman, trained to become a Black Hawk crew chief,
and eventually a pilot.
He "tracked" safety because he felt this specialty within Army Aviation would provide him with the most flexibility and family time as well as provide him with he most marketable skill outside of flying when the time came for him to retire.
He successfully made strategic decisions and was proactive to ensure our family had the opportunity to live in the best duty stations the Army has to offer.
Hawaii, Washington DC, Germany, Fort Lewis.
He would admit he didn't stay the latest each day, fly the most, or become the most proficient pilot the Army has in its inventory, but he was memorable.
The thing Matt brought to each unit is his character.
He raised morale, rallied the troops, supported his leadership and his team.
He trained others, he learned to lead and he learned how to follow.
He changed the air in a room.
A friend prepared his retirement award, and on it is engraved this quote
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments,
but what is woven into the lives of others"
Pericles
So fitting for Matt and his Army career.
So, this is one of the Army's newest retirees:
An elite club of men and women who gave at least 20 years of their lives for this Country.
Incredibly proud.
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