NY Air National Guard Master Sgt. Matthew King, a Berlin Resident, is named Air Guard Honor Guard Member of the Year

Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, New York (08/08/2022) — Master Sgt. Matthew King, a Berlin resident, and a member of the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, was awarded the 2021 Air National Guard Honor Guard Member of the Year recently.

King has been a member of the 109th Airlift Wing for over 15 years and has served in the honor guard for three years.

In 2021, King coordinated over 300 military funeral honor services that spanned three states and 22 counties, resulting in zero missed ceremonies.

He prepared for, traveled to and performed 92 funeral services ensuring the proper dignity, respect and honor were given to the deceased and their families.

Additionally, King trained new honor guard members on ceremony sequences to include a joint colors ceremony that commemorated the 20th anniversary of 9/11, preserving heritage and military tradition.

Throughout his time in the honor guard, King has completed over 470 military funerals.

"I was extremely shocked and humbled when I heard I won the award. It's a demanding job but it's rewarding to be able to pay tribute to those who have served our country," said King.

King's awards include the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal

King was one of two 109th Honor Guard members recognized this year by the Air National Guard.

Master Sgt. Terra Martin, a Clifton Park resident who manages the 109th Airlift Wing honor guard was named Air National Guard Honor Guard Manager of the Year.

"I am incredibly proud of Master Sgt. Terra Martin and Matthew King as they are recognized as the finest Honor Guard Airmen in the Air National Guard. These dedicated, young Airmen are exceptional performers and serve our military, family and community with pronounced professionalism each and every day," said Col. Christian Sander, commander of the 109th Airlift Wing.

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