Tech. Sgt. Matthew, 460th OSS

Published Sept. 17, 2008

Warrior of the Week -- Tech. Sgt. Matthew, a Space Based Infrared System crew chief instructor from the 460th Operations Support Squadron, is the Warrior of the Week for Sept. 19 - 25.

Sergeant Matthew has spent 15 years in the Air Force and hails from Inglewood, Calif., home of his beloved Los Angeles Lakers, the National Basketball Association team that played so many championship basketball games at the Great Western Forum during the Ervin "Magic" Johnson era in the 1980s.

His hobbies include working out, going to the movies, watching sports on TV and spending time with his family.

What is the combat capability that this person exemplified to earn the title, "Warrior of the Week?" Lt. Col. William Uhlmeyer, 460th OSS commander, says, Sergeant Morganfield epitomizes the instructor role.

"For example, he is a keen observer in the simulator -- picking up on many nuances and subtle issues. His calm demeanor is reassuring to both "newbies" and "old-timers" alike. Further, he is prolific in his knowledge and can provide an answer at the drop of the hat -- unless that would be shooting from the hip. If he doesn't know the answer, he will let you know and get back to you quickly. Finally, he is meticulous in his documentation. Any instructor coming after Sergeant Morganfield will know exactly the strengths and weaknesses of a student. Many of "highly qualified" students have been under his tutelage."

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission? As an instructor I ensure crew forces are trained to provide quick and accurate missile warning to our combatant commanders to include global infrared surveillance to aid in homeland defense.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be? I would change the physical training program every six months to make it a little more challenging. You have to continue to push the body in order to achieve positive results.

Why do you serve? When I first came in it was to learn a trade and get out. But the longer I served my motives changed from myself to having a hand in serving our great nation.

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force? The chance to be part of Joint Task Force Katrina. I led one of the first military teams to help rebuild Louisiana after it was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Helping to the best of our abilities and seeing how people lost everything, but the shirts on their backs, humbled me in a way that changed my outlook on life.

What is your most memorable personal accomplishment? Making master sergeant! When I first came into the military as a young Airman, the first goal I set out for myself was to become a master sergeant.

If you were not in the military, where would you be? Why? That's hard to say. I joined the military shortly after graduating high school and I've been doing this for 15 years. Not sure what path I would have taken but whatever it would have been I'm sure I would have been successful at it.

Where would you like to be in 10 years? What would you be doing? Well I will be starting my second chapter in life within the next five years. First and foremost, I want my family to continue to prosper and I will most likely try to continue working in the space career field. Space ideas and concepts are never ending so I wouldn't mind being part of some new futuristic technology that can help strengthen our nation's defense against enemies, foreign and domestic.

Military accomplishments:
-- Received a decoration as an airman first class for leadership traits during Operation Vigilant Warrior while servicing a remote tour in the Middle East
-- Selected for senior airman Below the Zone
-- Received a decoration for supporting Japanese Defense Representative Faculty while assigned to Yokota Air Base, Japan, ensuring continued mission essential operations
-- Received a decoration from the Republic of Panama while assigned to Howard AFB, South America, for providing support to the coronet Nighthawks flight crew counterdrug interdiction mission
-- Received a Humanitarian Service Medal, Lauded by 82nd Airborne Army 2-star General and President Bush for reconstruction efforts while deployed to Joint Task Force Katrina, "Camp Gumbo," Louisiana

460th OSS Warrior of the Week