MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Master Sgt. Vickey Matthews is the logistics support manager for the 908th Logistics and Readiness Squadron. As the support manager for the 908th, Matthews is responsible for supplying equipment to the wing from weapons and gas masks to pens and pencils.
Matthews has been with the 908th LRS for the entirety of her 30 year career, joining as an airman basic and working her way up the ranks. Throughout her time with the 908th, Matthews has deployed 4 times, overcoming adversity and making an impact every step of the way.
Matthews is a cancer survivor who, despite undergoing intensive medical procedures, fought to deploy and carry out her mission overseas. While in Qatar in 20015, Matthews helped organize the first breast cancer awareness seminar, educating members on risk factors, detection and prevention. Since then, Al Udeid Air Base has held a luncheon every October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Throughout her challenges, Matthews developed extraordinary resiliency skills and was determined to help others develop that same mentality. Matthews used her personal experiences to become a certified master resilience trainer, teaching Airmen the skills they need to overcome some of the challenges of military life.
“I wanted to help other people build their resiliency,” said Matthews. “People face all kinds of challenges but if you can find a way to push forward you can accomplish anything.”
Throughout hardships and struggles, Matthews persevered and remained positive. She showed determination in the face of adversity and remained dedicated to building up those she serves with.