Serving through the season: Senior Airman Matt Hodges

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Szu-Moy Ruiz
  • Detachment 9, Air Force News Agency
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  Senior Airman Matt Hodges is an air traffic controller with the 52nd Operation Support Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Airman Hodges ensures all aircraft coming in and out of the base land and depart safely.

The job requires strict attention to detail and many, many hours of staring into space -- air space that is. Spangdahlem's air space belongs to the air traffic controllers that monitor it. Without them, aircraft would fly into a chaotic traffic jam worse than a freeway in Los Angeles.

Airman Hodges, a "fighting" Spangdahlem Saber, not only gets the job done, but realizes that sometimes you have to make sacrifices for others. The single Airman willingly volunteered to work Christmas day so that his co-workers with families could spend valuable time together during the holidays.

"It's really no big deal," he said. "I've got a job to do here and this just gives the others a chance to take a break with their families. When I'm finished at work on Christmas, I'll call home and hang out with my friends. It's really not too big of a deal."

Airman Hodges has been in the Air Force for two-and-a-half years. He's a graduate of Acacia Wood High School in Anaheim, Calif.

"I miss my family at home but my co-workers need to be with their families more," he said. "My parents understand the job I have to do."

Like many Airmen around the globe, Senior Airman Hodges knows about sacrifice. His selflessness allowed his co-workers to spend quality time with their families during this holiday season. The highly trained and skilled men and women of the United States Air Force are fighting the war on terror, getting the job done, and selflessly thinking of others.

The air traffic control mission goes on for Airman Hodges this Christmas. But, the gift of giving is also his mission. One attached with a big smiles and much gratitude from his co-workers.

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