MATTHEW C. PHANEUF
1. Staff Sergeant Matthew C. Phaneuf is a Radio Frequency Transmission Systems Craftsman, assigned to the 571st Global Mobility Readiness Squadron (GMRS), Travis Air Force Base, California. The 571st GMRS provides 12 key capabilities for leading-edge; Open the Air Base operations for the 571st Contingency Response Group (CRG) under the 615th Contingency Response Wing (CRW). These functions include expeditionary force protection, integrated air base defense, intelligence, fuels, contracting/disbursement, vehicle maintenance, supply, communications, civil engineering, medical support and air traffic control capabilities. The squadron deploys with the CRG to open air bases for the Joint Force Commander supporting the full spectrum of military and humanitarian relief operations. The unit develops processes and executes expeditionary runway opening, aircraft reception, initial bed-down operations, and maintains 12-hour alert status, ready for immediate worldwide deployment. Matt’s career began three years before he joined the Air Force when he was working as an Instructional Aide at Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program (MVROP), Fremont, California. He was responsible for instructing junior and senior high school students as well as adults in Electronics/Computer Repair and Networking. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11 Matt was compelled to join the military. He knew that he needed to follow a path that would help him achieve his goals of earning a college degree and also fulfilling his patriotic duty. By mid 2002 he had decided on joining the Air Force but it wouldn’t be until September 2003 that he would leave for boot camp. Since then he has done nothing but excel in every facet of his military career. After completing Basic Training and 37 weeks of Technical School in Satellite, Wideband, and Telemetry Systems. Matt’s first assignment was to the 728th Air Control Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He quickly rose from an Apprentice to a Journeyman completing all the required tasks ahead of schedule. His next assignment would bring him across the Atlantic Ocean to the 603rd Air Control Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy. It was there that he became an expert in Satellite Communications, spending four years honing his skills and training his fellow Airman. His responsibilities included leading an eight member team responsible for $22M in tactical communications equipment. While stationed in Italy Matt deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION NOMAD FIRE which was to provide air surveillance and control during President George W. Bush’s visit to Africa. Matt also deployed a number of times to support the 31st Fighter Wing’s Weapons Training Exercises providing unparallel communications in austere environments. All this training and experience would prepare him for his current assignment as lead Small Package Initial Communications Element Technician for the Contingency Response Group.
2. Staff Sergeant Phaneuf has performed exceptionally well throughout his career. His achievements and contributions both in and out of the military are admirable to say the least.
Before working at MVROP he actually was a student in the class. His keen intelligence and initiative garnered him a position that would change his life forever. It was there that he started his path towards service to others. As a young adult, Matt was influencing and mentoring at-risk high school students not just in Information Technology but, in character, work ethics, and education. While working there he achieved multiple certifications in Computing and Telecommunications. Additionally, he started a charity program with a local rehabilitation center accepting broken computers and parts then repairing or recycling them to profit the organization. This benefitted hundreds of people and also gave his students excellent experience. Since joining the Air Force Matt has achieved great success and contributed his skills and efforts all over the world. While stationed in Florida he volunteered at a local school read-a-thon and raised over $1K towards a new media center. He continued his selfless acts as he went to Italy and oversaw the construction of the Air Base’s Halloween Haunted House three years in a row. During a mission in Romania he volunteered his time and energy at an orphanage and was able to repair some of their broken computers for them. While he was in Italy he also completed his Associate of Science degree in Electronics Systems Technology through the Community College of the Air Force. Currently, Matt is the person of contact and liaison between his unit and the local Habitat for Humanity organization. He has participated in both remodeling local homes and establishing a “Re-store” where donations are accepted then sold to the public for profits to the charity. Most Recently, Matt became a member of the Information Technology Advisory Board for Yolo County Regional Occupation Program (YCROP), Woodland, California. This position has brought him full circle from being a student, to instructing classes, and now to advising other instructors on current Information Technology trends and ensuring their students are getting the best educational opportunities possible.
3. Staff Sergeant Phaneuf has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Beginning with his performance as a student at MVROP he was awarded “Student of the Year” by Congressman Pete Stark (D-CA). Once he joined the Air Force his academic skills transpired into him earning “Distinguished Graduate” awards throughout both of his technical schools of Electronic Principles and Satellite, Wideband, and Telemetry Systems, respectively. These awards are reserved for the top ten percentile upon graduation. While in Italy he was awarded Airman of the Quarter and Non Commissioned Officer of the Quarter as well as being nominated by his commander for the European Command Service Member of the Year Award. Additionally, upon completion of Airman Leadership School he once again earned the “Distinguished Graduate” award before becoming a Non Commissioned Officer. Matt has also received coins of excellence for outstanding duty performance and leadership by multiple commanders both inside and outside of his chain of command. Upon his departure from Italy Matt was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his hard work and dedication during his assignment. Most notably, his performance in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM as command and control to his squadron’s battle commander which was in direct support of 180 enemies killed in action. Last year Matt was deemed “Radio Frequency Non Commissioned Officer of the Year” and has been nominated again for this year.
4. Staff Sergeant Phaneuf’s academic accomplishments, volunteer contributions, and service to his nation are true attributes of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. Since completing his associate’s degree he’s continuing his education through Southwestern College towards a Bachelor of Science degree maintaining a 3.9 GPA. All the while consistently getting promoted ahead of his peers and excelling in multiple Air Force courses in Information Technology, management, and leadership. In 2008 Matt was contacted by the Department of Defense Bone Marrow Program and notified that he was possible match to a dying patient. Matt quickly proceeded through the testing phases and within a month was in Los Angeles going through the grueling process of stem cell donation. Two years later, Matt was contacted for the same patient, and again, without hesitation, he offered his stem cells to a complete stranger. This unwavering dedication to humanity alongside with his selfless service to his country and his community, wherever that may be, is by far a shining example of what this award is about.