By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson – Tech. Sgt. Matthew McKenna, an Air Force combat controller and a 2000 Hudson High School (HHS) graduate, developed an interest in the military at a young age.
“Growing up, I was always interested in joining the military,” he said. “My dad served in the Air Force and my grandfather served in the Army Air Force during World War II. Many of the men on both sides of my family have served. I have a lot of respect for what they did and I wanted to be like them.”
His own expectations have been exceeded, McKenna noted.
“Walking the halls of HHS, I never really thought I’d be where I am today,” he acknowledged.
McKenna was recently awarded the Silver Star, America’s third-highest combat military decoration, for heroic efforts he demonstrated during his second tour of Afghanistan in September, 2013. It was presented at a ceremony held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, where he has been stationed since 2010.
Also presented was a citation, which reads in part, “Sgt. McKenna’s actions throughout the 13-hour battle ensured survivability of friendly forces against a formidable enemy, enabled his team to clear two kilometers of terrain, beat back three enemy counter attacks, and contributed substantially to an incredible 103 enemy killed in action.”
Describing the presentation as the most humbling experience of his life, McKenna said he accepted the award on behalf of everyone involved.
“It was a combined effort,” he said. “It absolutely was a day when everyone on the team was working together and doing a great job to make sure that we all got out of there.”
The citation also noted, “On several occasions, with no regard for his personal safety, Sgt. McKenna moved from cover, exposing himself to withering machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire to locate friendly elements trapped by enemy fire.”
McKenna credits the thorough training that airmen receive for extreme combat.
“They really prepare us both physically and mentally for those worst-case scenarios,” he said. “I can’t say enough about the great training that Special Tactics does for its airmen.”
Also at the ceremony McKenna was awarded the Bronze Star. He cites the highlight of the ceremony was a reunion with several family members including his parents Elaine and Jim McKenna, who visited from Hudson for a few days.
“It made it more special being able to share it with them,” he said. “I don’t get to go home to Massachusetts a lot and we got to spend some time together. I still consider Hudson my home. I’m still getting my absentee ballots for all of the Hudson elections.”
McKenna noted that at a young age he received a book of quotes titled “Commitment to Excellence” from his father. He remembers the book helping him better understand the importance of a strong work ethic.
“Doing the best you can in everything you do is something I definitely learned from my dad,” he said.
After receiving the Silver Star, McKenna got another unique honor. He was invited to represent Special Tactics in the coin toss on the 50 yard line for the NFL season opener with the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers.
“It was a great experience to be a part of an NFL game,” he said, adding, “but it wasn’t the same as getting the chance to go see a Patriots game.”
McKenna expressed gratitude that there were no casualties during last year’s combat.
“It was an overwhelming relief that everybody was able to get out of there that day,” he said. “Everyone got to go home and see their family.”