Iceman in Action: Staff Sgt. Matthew Ison

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley Nicole Taylor
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Rank and Name: Staff Sgt. Matthew Ison

Duty Title: Noncommissioned officer in-charge of current operations, 354th Operations Support Squadron

Hometown: Jackson, Ohio

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? Serving in the U. S. Air Force has always been important to me because I am a part of something great and it is a unique opportunity to make a positive change in the world. I'm honored to be a part of our long and distinguished history and I strive each and every day to carry on the legacy of the Air Force.

What moment or accomplishment as a member of the Iceman Team are you most proud of and why? As a member of the Iceman Team I would say that my proudest moment thus far has been participating in and completing my first Red Flag. Prior to arriving at Eielson I was not fully aware of all the painstaking efforts that are taken on in order to make Red Flag operations successful. However after seeing a team of Airmen alongside our international partners come together in order to execute more than 1,200 sorties and fly more than 2,500 hours, I now have a new understanding and respect for the mission here at Eielson AFB, and I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of it.    

What is your favorite part of your job? I would have to say the part of my job I enjoy the most is interacting with aircrew members on a daily basis. Working in the current operations section, I am afforded a rare opportunity to see the big picture of how flying operations come together. From planning to coordination to scheduling and finally flying, it is a puzzle that needs to be put together each and every day.   

Who inspires you and why? My biggest inspiration at Eielson is Master Sgt. Brandon Piper. He is full of aviation resource management knowledge, well respected among his peers and always willing to teach and share his experiences with the Air Force. Coming to work every day knowing he will try to make me a better Airman in turn makes me want to inspire and lead my troops.

What's your favorite part about being in Alaska? My favorite part about being in Alaska is that it is unlike anywhere else on earth. Even though it may seem like we are isolated here at Eielson the opportunities are endless to get out and create once-in-a-lifetime experiences.