Mighty Ninety mourns loss of Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mike Tryon
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FOCE BASE, Wyo. --  The Mighty Ninety was informed Jan. 5 that one of its own, an explosives ordnance disposal technician, was killed in action during his deployment to southern Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Force operations.

"We all mourn the loss of Tech. Sgt. Matthew Schwartz, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD operations NCO-in-charge," said Col. Christopher Coffelt, 90th Missile Wing commander. "Our sincerest condolences go out to his family during this difficult time."

The Traverse City, Mich., native started his Air Force career by enlisting in October, 1999. After completion of basic training, Schwartz moved to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where he completed his technical training. He was then stationed to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., where he culminated his experience as an EOD journeyman.

From Cannon AFB, Schwartz was stationed here in 2006 where he was the NCO-in-charge of EOD equipment and operations. His duties here included providing a 24-hour response capability for U.S. and foreign conventional, nuclear, chemical, biological ordnance and improvised explosive devices covering a 12,600 square-mile area of Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado.

"I have lost a good friend," said Tech. Sgt. David Csizmar, 90th CES EOD Plans and Intel technician. "I will truly miss his experience and knowledge, both from our mission here and our missions in Afghanistan.

"He was well known here and throughout the EOD career field," Csizmar added. "His loss has, and will continue to reverberate throughout the base and EOD community. The base, in particular, and the EOD career field in general, has lost a great Airman."

Schwartz earned several awards and distinctions including multiple Bronze Stars, one with Valor; a Purple Heart; a Meritorious Service Medal; a Joint Service Commendation Medal; three Air Force Commendation Medals; an Air Force Achievement Medal; an Air Force Combat Action Medal; four Air Force Good Conduct Medals; and a National Defense Service Medal. He was also awarded the rank of senior airman "below the zone," and was a John L. Levitow Award winner in 2003.

"I was always impressed with his attitude and leadership, his love of the EOD career field and the Air Force," said Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Pachniak, 90th CES superintendent. "Regardless of how tough things got, he was always smiling and unfazed by whatever was happening. Matt was, and is, a remarkable example of a fine American who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms our great nation has to offer. Hearing of his loss has been tough to take; he'll be sorely missed. My best wishes and condolences to his family and friends."

In lieu of flowers, the EOD flight is accepting donations that will be presented to the Schwartz family. Cards or donations can be dropped off at the 90th CES command section in Building 320.