All About Me, My Hobbies, and My Friends
Here are a few pictures and a little info about Matt, "behind the uniform" (haha)
Personal History
- Born 08 May 1982 at Silas B Hayes Army Hospital at Ft Ord California.
- Graduated from William J Palmer HS in June of 2000.
- I swam and ran CX country.
- Attended the ROTC Basic Camp at Ft Knox, KY Summer of 2000 prior to my arrival at the New Mexico Military
Institute August 2000.
- I spent 9 months at NMMI before comming to West Point.
- I have been a waiter,
Pharmacy Technician, and Firefighter. I hold a current liscence in firefighting.
I grew up in the Republic of Panama. My dad was an Army Special Forces NCO. He
saw combat in El Salvador and in Panama. Growing up there was great. I got to play in the jungle,
swim in two oceans, and fish in one of the world's premier fishing spots.
I lived there for almost a decade. I still miss it.
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This is a village near where I grew up in Provencia Colon on the Atlantic side of Panama. Drake the Pirate is buried nearby. Note the police station on
the left and the bar on the right
As I said my dad was an SF NCO. I am very proud of him. He put in 23 years in the Army, retiring as a Sergeant Major. Among his awards are the Legion
of Merit, Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Bronze Star with V device following an intense firefight with Communist Insurgents in El Salvador. Here he is in El Salvador with his M1 and 50 cal. machine gun.
Places I have Lived (in order)
- Ft Ord, CA
- Ft Lewis, WA
- Ft Gulick, RP
- Camp Rudder, FL
- Eglin AFB, Fl
- Ft Davis, RP
- Ft Carson, CO
- Biggs Army Airfield (Sergents Major Academy)
- Roswell, NM
- Beautiful West Point, NY
Likes and Hobbies
Before Ole' Uncle Sam got ahold of me I was a firefighter. I did that all throughout high school in a small city south of Colorado Springs called Fountain. Fountain was named "Millenium City of the Year"
by NY Times Magazine. At the top is picture of "Medic One" the ambulance I was assigned to work on. Below it is Engine-1 a brand new Freightliner that has all the bells and whistles of a 21st century fire fighting machine.
I play the cello. Here I am playing with my sister, Lara keeping me company.
As luck would have it the Army has no orchestras so I have picked up the bagpipes. It's a great club and a lot of fun.
The USMA Pipes and Drums got to march in the 2002 Tournament of Roses Parade. Click here to check out some pre-game photos: Pictures
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My Friends
G-d has truly blessed me with good friends. It's only proper they get some kind of mention.
Friends from Colorado
If your picture isnt up here yet be patient: I will get to it!
This character good buddy Andrew Sellers who is currently in is third class year at USAFA.
On the left is another very good freind of mine, David Goodale who is in his third class year at USAFA. David and I went to high school together and I can definitely say Dave is a real class act.
On the right is Noah Turner. Because of some whim I decided to run track my senior year of high school. Although I wasn't very good, Im glad I did cause I got to meet a true gentleman: Noah.
Army Friends
I once heard Korean War Vet say that you don't fight for the flag, or apple pie or any other "Americana". You
fight for the guy next to you. These guys (and gal) here are who I fight for. They are my family. Clockwise from
top left: Stephen Joosten, Ryan Occhiuzzo, Robert (Bob) Slubowski, Lyndi Koch, and Ryan before
a field excercise. Most of these photos were taken when I was
an ROTC cadet at the New Mexico Military Institute prior to comming to West Point.
This character is one Josh Silver, a Jewish brother soldier who keeps me in check with reality
My good buddy Daniel Bell. He is one of the reasons why West Point is a worthwhile place.
This is my "achi" Aaron Cross. Aaron is truly one of the finest people I will ever have the pleasure of calling friend.
Ladies and Gentlemen may I present Corporal "Punishment" Brooks! A proud Jewish Warrior and scourge of polytheists far and wide! Bring the pain CORPORAL!
I just had to include this photo of our very own Ranger "Regnar" Roles on our way to Air Assault to victory, giving the Yearling Victory Sign! Why are yucks so bitter?! We have one OPP right?!
Goals and Inspirations: Click Here
My Blog! Timeless opinions: Click Here
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