1/5/2012
Technical Sergeant Matthew S. Schwartz was born on April 2, 1977 in Traverse City, Michigan. After graduating from Traverse City Central High School, he enlisted in the Air Force as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Apprentice in 1999. After completion of basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, he graduated from Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal in 2000. Technical Sergeant Schwartz’s first duty station was to the EOD Flight at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. In 2006, he transferred to Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming where he served as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of EOD Operations. He deployed six times in his career, three in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and three in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan as part of the 466th EOD Flight, Operating Location Delta. While operating in Shrigazi Province, he led his Air Force team in clearing lines of communication, enabling freedom of maneuver, and ensuring the safety of coalition and local nationals by engaging and defeating the enemy’s weapon of choice: the Improvised Explosive Device.
Technical Sergeant Schwartz’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Service Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Service Stars, and the NATO Medal.
Technical Sergeant Schwartz is survived by his wife Jennifer; daughters Aliza, Emily, and Morgan; and parents Tim and Cynthia Schwartz.