U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.-- Selected for his exceptional performance, selfless sacrifices, and exemplary leadership skills include Lt. Col. Matt Cummins, 70th Flying Training Squadron, U.S. Air Force Academy.
In addition to being featured online, large poster exhibits of the selectee will be displayed in the Pentagon, fifth floor A-Ring, for the next year.
Traditional Reserve Citizen Airman
Lt. Col. Matthew Cummins
Total Force Integration Flight Commander
From saving lives in the emergency room to commanding an intercontinental strategic bomber, Lt. Col. Matthew Cummins’ Air Force Reserve journey started immediately following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Hailing from a family whose military lineage dates back to the Revolutionary War, Cummins placed his emergency medical career on hold for the opportunity to serve. Garnering “Top Stick” honors in pilot training, he was soon providing combatant commanders with unrivaled global precision strike and conflict deterrence capabilities in the mighty B‐52 Stratofortress.
Cummins’ innate abilities to lead and inspire were quickly recognized by commanders who charged him with the vital task of developing future generations of military officers and aviators. As a Total Force Integration Flight Commander, he has led numerous record‐setting production and efficiency initiatives earning the “AETC Aircrew of Distinction,” and “Reservist, Flight Commander, Instructor Pilot, and Field Grade Officer of the Year” awards for his many contributions to the training enterprise. A rare triple‐aircraft qualified evaluator pilot with over 5,000 flight hours in 50 military and civilian aircraft types, Cummins currently directs integrated Total Force operations for the United States Air Force Academy’s Powered Flight Program training over 40 percent of the U.S. Air Force's rated force.
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Citizen Airmen and have enjoyed the extraordinary experiences, challenges, and friendships that have accompanied that service," Cummins said.
To see the displays, and the other Reserve Citizen Airmen selected for recognition, go to the AFRC Profiles in Leadership page at https://www.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Profiles-in-Leadership/Volume-V/.