MOUNT ROLLAND TRAINING SITE, Senegal –
Name: Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Reed
Military Specialty: 120A Construction Engineer Technician
Years of Service: 24
Unit: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Garrison Support Command
Deployments: 2006-2007, Iraq, 131st Engineers. 2010, Afghanistan, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain)
Previous Senegal Trips: 2016, Construction Project Evaluation
Hometown: Hyde Park, VT
Current Town: Morrisville, VT
High School/Graduation Year: 1989
College: Johnson State College Student
Q. Why did you join the Vermont National Guard?
A. After serving six years in the U.S. Navy, I wanted to come back into the service to be with those like me and to continue to serve. I also was interested in being full-time while living in my home town.
Q. What do you do in the Vermont National Guard?
A. I am a construction engineering technician at Ethan Allen Firing Range. I oversee the plans and construction processes for projects there on the drill weekends. I also am a base camp developer for when/if I am deployed.
Q. What do you do for civilian work?
A. I work as the supervisor for the new Army vehicle maintenance shop in North Hyde Park.
Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of being in the National Guard?
A. Duty to the country and the benefit of being part of a team.
Q. How has being a National Guard member benefited you in your local community and job?
A. I have learned many skills to enable me to help in emergencies and leadership in my community.
Q. What is your most memorable military moment?
A. Flying out of Iraq after a tough deployment.
Q. How long have you lived in Vermont?
A. My whole life except when deployed.
Q. What is your favorite aspect of living or working where you do?
A. I can be around family and do the things I have always enjoyed growing up.
Q. What has surprised you about the Vermont National Guard?
A. The depth of knowledge the Soldier have.
Q. What is your favorite part about serving in the VT National Guard?
A. Being part of the community and the military.
Q. How many push-ups did you get on your last physical fitness test?
A. 45
Q. What made you volunteer for this Senegal Mission?
A. I enjoy doing these kind of missions which are bigger than the sum of the small parts.
Q. Is this your first time here going to Senegal?
A. No, I have been there before to design part of this project.
Q. What is your mission in Senegal?
A. Construct a training range for the Senegalese Army.
Q. Why do you think your mission in Senegal is important?
A. Imparts a partnership for a long term impact of our countries.
Q. What do you want to take away from this trip?
A. The feeling of accomplishment.
Q. How do you think this mission helps the Vermont National Guard?
A. It provides training and the ability to do something different.
Q. How do you feel about being able to train with the Senegal Army?
A. Love it!
Q. What are some differences between Senegal and Vermont?
A. The weather.