OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Airman 1st Class Matthew Posey, an aircraft maintenance analyst from the 55th Maintenance Group, was recognized for his service while attending a Kansas City Chiefs game Dec. 5 as part of an NFL Salute to Service game.
Airman Posey was chosen by his leadership to attend the game for his exceptional performance.
“Airman Posey is on his way up in his career and nothing is getting in his way,” said Chief Rodney Tuttle, 55th Maintenance Group superintendent. “In this first year of getting to know him, he has set himself apart from the other Airmen by exemplifying the ‘Whole Airman’ concept.”
Some of the highlights of Posey’s career include being a pallbearer for the last known Omaha Tuskegee Airman, volunteering 220 hours at The Connection, and being selected to recite a poem at the Memorial Day observance honoring fallen heroes.
Posey said an important part of leadership is making yourself available for others who may be facing difficulties.
"Some people experience bullying and don't have someone there for them,” Posey said. “I was one of those kids growing up, but as I got older, I started to be a mentor to younger kids in high school. I wanted to be somebody who could give advice and help. You never know when someone is hurting, and that mindset has continued for me in the military."
Posey also recently achieved several personal goals by becoming the first in his family to join the Air Force, completing an Associate degree and becoming certified as a Heavy Vehicle and Diesel Technician.
He said he was grateful to be selected for this recognition.
“I can honestly say I have been blessed by God by this after one heck of a year I’ve had; since joining the military to moving across the nation to be where I am now,” Posey said.
Posey said he plans to make the Air Force a career and hopes to achieve the rank of Master Sergeant or higher.
"It feels like this is what I'm meant to be doing," Posey said. "To be in a leadership role and to actually help people in the military feels like something I'm just born to do."
Salute to Service is sponsored by the NFL, USAA and other partnerships and was established to honor, empower, and connect service members, veterans and their families. As part of those efforts, each NFL team partners with military bases to recognize the hard work and dedication of service members.