Peter Mathews

Prior to joining the National Air Guard, Peter Mathews attended Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology adjacent to LaGuardia Airport as he started to pursue his goal of becoming a pilot.

Airman First Class Mathews was a traditional guardsman who served in the Maryland Air National Guard since 2020. He was a crew chief assigned to the 175th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, where he was currently serving on orders until his tragic passing off-duty in December, 2022.

In the early months of 2022, Mathews mobilized with his squadron and A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 104th Fighter Squadron to support two U.S. Army Europe-led exercises in Eastern Europe: Swift Response and Defender Europe 22. He was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for his accomplishments during those exercises.

“Peter was genuinely an amazing person, and his smile lit up the room. If you had a chance to talk to him, you knew instantly he had a remarkable future and was destined for greatness,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Golabiewski, 175th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron senior enlisted leader. “He was in the process of following in his father’s footsteps to become a pilot. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and anyone who knew Peter.” **

** Information derived from article posted in the Bay Shore Patch by Maureen Mullarkey.