Photo By Spc. Josh Lecappelain | Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Matthews, Multi-National Division – Center Analysis and...... read more read more
By Spc. Josh LeCappelain
Multi-National Division – Center
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Does a Haitian rainfall smell different than one in Iraq? What color does the setting sun give to the horizon in Somalia or the sand of Saudi Arabia? If given but a single word to describe, how would you tell someone else about Afghanistan, Korea or Thailand?
All of these questions can be answered by talking to one single man: Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Matthews, Multi-National Division – Center Analysis and Control Element non-commissioned officer-in-charge.
A resident of the town that calls itself the birthplace of American fly fishing – Neversink, N.Y. – Matthews graduated from Tri-Valley High School and quickly joined the Army, enlisting in 1990 as an engineer. Before long, he was headed towards Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
"I did really well at AIT," Matthews said. "I got more comfortable and felt like I had picked the right job."
Following graduation, Matthews was assigned to the 52nd Engineers, out of Fort Carson, Colo. Arriving at his new home, he found out his unit was deployed to Saudi Arabia. After a brisk month's work of preparation, the young private found himself heading towards the Middle East.
"Being 19, it is hard being so far away from home in a combat zone," he reflected on his three-month first deployment. "You try to set a rhythm – but it's hard, as a private."
He returned to Fort Carson, continuing to learn his job and the way the Army works. It was during this time that he married his high school sweetheart, Katrina. Together, they forged their way forward and started a family, having three children – Britney, 16 years old; Jenna, 12; and Trey, 6.
In 1993, the call came again to deploy; this time, he would be going to the African country of Somalia.
"I was a little more comfortable," he said, of the difference between his first two deployments. "But Somalia was my worst deployment. Following the incidents of 'Black Hawk Down,' my family was really frightened ... convincing them I was safe was very difficult."
After four months, he returned to the United States. Quickly, he learned that he would be travelling again the following year.
"We started training to go to Haiti," he recalled.
Unlike Somalia, Matthews enjoyed his time in Haiti, calling it his most enjoyable deployment.
"We went to the beach and actually built a beach house," he smiled, his brown eyes fondling recalling memories such as playing football in six inches of water and mud.
But it wasn't all fun and games- a tropical storm hit Haiti, causing destruction and chaos.
"We heard about mudslides and people being killed. It rained for two of three straight days. You couldn't walk anywhere without walking through a foot of water," Matthews said. "We were sleeping on top of our cots, on top of all of our [equipment]."
The Soldiers worked long and hard, with their mission being changed to humanitarian assistance. For their efforts, they were awarded Humanitarian Service Medals.
Following redeployment, Matthews applied for a position in the White House. After countless screening processes, he received his top secret clearance, only to learn the position had been filled. But, as one door closes, another opens. As a result of his new clearance, he found an easier path towards switching to a new Army career field – intelligence.
Upon completing his second AIT at Fort Huachuca, Az., the Matthews family headed towards Fort Belvoir, Va. Following two years there, he headed to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, with a year-long training stop in Fort Hood, Texas. During this time period, Matthews deployed twice to Asia, for month-long training exercises in Korea and Thailand.
Late in 2001, Matthews received orders to Fort Drum, N.Y. It was during his leave in conjunction with his PCS that the world changed.
"I was enroute when 9/11 happened. I knew my life would never be the same," he said.
Heading to Fort Drum without his family, Matthews received a phone call in his hotel room one night from the 10th Mountain Division intelligence sergeant major, asking, "'Do you want to deploy?'"
Needing time to adjust and settle his family into Watertown, N.Y., Matthews declined. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, where he served with their rear detachment, as they were deployed to the Middle East. After a year and a half, he asked to move up to division, where he has served ever since.
During his 10th Mountain Div. G2 tenure, he has twice deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and now, to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
For a man who has become accustomed to deploying, Matthews has seen many changes in the Army and the quality of life during these overseas tours.
"The comfort of life has greatly increased. First-time deployers don't really realize how good we have it [here]. I have air conditioning, a television with cable, everyone seems to have laptops now," he said. "Before, you'd be in your tent, playing cards with your buddies or writing letters home. Now, we have email and instant messenger ... it's much easier to stay in touch with home."
With 18 years already in, Matthews knows that his time in the Army is winding down. But, he still has dreams and aspirations before he calls it a career.
"I'd like to get my first sergeant sometime. I think that's an achievable goal. I'd also like to stay at [Fort] Drum – it is only four hours away from my family [in Neversink]," he added, saying that he couldn't imagine doing anything other than being in the Army and being a Soldier.
Matthews credits his wife with everything she has done during his overseas deployments.
"My wife has been great. Being deployed as much as I've been, you need a strong family relationship," he said. "I miss her every single day."
In his spare time here, he has a few activities he uses to unwind, including watching numerous movies and challenging his body.
"I do a lot of running events," Matthews said. "The Army 10-Miler was pretty important to me. I ran in while deployed to Afghanistan and again here. I use physical training a lot – especially running – as a stress release. When I'm running, I think about home a lot – about my family."
Professionally, Matthews considers his work in helping manage the day-to-day lives of more than 100 Soldiers in the ACE as of the utmost importance.
"There are a lot of people to take care of, a lot of Soldier issues to address," he said. "I kind of embrace it. Some people don't like doing administrative work – I like taking care of Soldiers. I take care of a lot of problems. When a Soldier is upset, you try to relate. I have a ton of Army experience and deployments under my belt. It's rewarding to pass my knowledge on to other people," he said with a sense of accomplishment. "I love my job. The feeling you get, the sense of accomplishment when returning from a deployment, is unbelievable."
Every time he gets on the plane to come home, one thought fills his mind: Katrina.
"There is a song, "Faithfully," by Journey. That's kind of my song with my wife. There are lyrics in it that go, 'I get the joy of rediscovering you,'" he said, a wide smile filling his face. "That what it's all about, for me."
| Date Taken: | 12.08.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2008 02:35 |
| Story ID: | 27300 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 230 |
| Downloads: | 210 |
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