JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Name: Senior Airman Matthew Roberts
Hometown: Monticello, N.Y.
Squadron and job title: 437th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintainer
Time in the Air Force: three years
Time in Honor Guard: one year
What inspired you to join the Honor Guard? I saw an opportunity to do something
more in the Air Force than just my normal job. I was drawn to the discipline and
motivation others in my shop had toward being in the Honor Guard, and it was
something I wanted to experience as well.
What is your favorite aspect of the Honor Guard? I enjoy the aspect of being a part
of something greater than myself. When it comes to rendering honors for veterans and
retirees, I see the family members all looking upon us with amazement and wonder.
When presenting the flag to a family, the response is always the same, "We thank you
for doing this." It is the greatest feeling in the world to me.
What are your future career goals? I want to continue my career in the Air force, but
as an officer. I am looking towards getting my degree in radiology and becoming a
doctor in the Air Force.
Who is your role model and why? It's kind of a hard question to answer, but I have
my parents to thank for this. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be the person I am
today.
What is your most memorable moment in the Honor Guard? The one moment I can think of is when I had presented the American flag for the first time. I was so scared and thought I would mess up. The widow was a fairly older woman and was crying so much. I presented her the flag, and all of a sudden, she looked up at me and wasn't crying anymore. I gave the widow the flag, and as I turned away, I could hear the woman say, "I am proud that you did this for me."