Name: Matthew Kirby

Archangel AKPJ Association Position: President

Status: Current Alaska Air National Guard 176th MSG Commander

Biography Summary:

Lt Col Kirby entered the United States Army in May 2000 as a member of the Army National Guard as a Parachute Rigger. Upon completion of basic training, airborne school and advanced individual training he returned to the University of Colorado (CU), Boulder where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in May 2003. Upon graduation, he received a commission in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer with a direct-duty assignment to Ft. Benning, Columbus, GA, arriving in June, 2003. While stationed at Ft. Benning Lt Col Kirby graduated from the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Ranger School, and the Infantry Mortar Leader Course.

 Lt Col Kirby then served as a member of the 172d Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Richardson, Alaska as a Mortar Platoon Leader. He then deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraq Freedom from August 2005 to December 2006. While deployed he supported numerous combat operations and transitioned from the battalion mortar platoon leader to an infantry platoon leader. Upon redeployment he participated in the Best Ranger Competition in April 2007 and subsequently was selected as the Aide-de-Camp for the United States Army Alaska Commanding General.

 After completion of this assignment, Lt Col Kirby served as a Combat Rescue Officer (CRO) for the 212 Rescue Squadron in February 2008. Over the next 18 months he attended Phase II CRO selection, Pararescue/CRO Indoctrination (Honor Grad), AF Combat Dive Course (Honor Grad), SERE SV-80 /SV-94, MFF, WEMT-B, and finally CRO Apprentice Course (Honor Grad).  As a member of the 212 RQS he deployed twice to Afghanistan, once to Africa and once to Singapore. He loves deploying and serving his country, he loves his job with the 176th Wing and looks forward to spending many more years working as a leader in the Alaska National Guard.

 Lt Col Kirby serves as an active member and elder in his church. He currently lives in Eagle River, Alaska with his wife Caroline and their four children, Rylan, Meira, Pascale and Quinn. His hobbies include enjoying life with his family, weightlifting, working out, running, ice climbing, skiing, backpacking, hunting, and playing plenty of games with his four children.