911th Airlift Wing Hall of Fame adds new member

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly
  • 911 AW/PA
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  Club Cargo Bay was full of present and former 911th Airlift Wing members Saturday night of the October unit training assembly. Dressed in mess dress and formal attire the men and women present were there for one reason, to honor the 911th Airlift Wing Hall of Fame's newest member.

Senior Master Sgt. Charles E. Mathias became the 21st person to be inducted into the elite fraternity since its 1989 founding, Oct. 1.

The 911th Hall of Fame was created by Chief Master Sgt. John G. Fahrny, Jr. as an avenue by which the 911th Airlift Wing's enlisted men and women could recognize a fellow Airman who has been a strong supporter of the enlisted cause.

The retired senior master sergeant's name was submitted to the 911th Chiefs Council as a man whose dedication to the enlisted men and women of the 911th Airlift Wing was evident in everything he did. Retiring 11-years-ago, Senior Master Sgt. Mathias's 29 years of honorable service and dedication to the enlisted force made him worthy of recognition of the highest magnitude.

The ceremonial evening was divided into two distinct segments. The first segment was a formal social period, during which guests were served dinner. The latter, was the formal induction ceremony that would recognize the honoree for his many accomplishments and impact to the 911th Airlift Wing.

Particularly noteworthy was Senior Master Sgt. Mathias's service as a First Sergeant with the Aerial Port Squadron for more than ten years. He was the oldest First Sergeant here at the 911th Airlift Wing, Numbered Air Force, and in the Air Force Reserve Command.

"Your professional leadership and sincere concern for the morale and welfare of your fellow Airmen are living proof of the integrity you have instilled in all," Chief Joseph McArthur read from the Hall of Fame citation. "Your record speaks for itself."

The Ceremonial Sergeant Major, Command Chief Master Sgt. John Payne, presented Senior Master Sgt. Mathias with the 911th Hall of Fame Shield and his wife, Mrs. Mary Lou Mathias with the 911th Hall of Fame tray.

As the shield presented to the honoree symbolizes honor among Airmen, the tray is symbolic of one who has been the strongest supporter of the honored guest. In recognition of her untiring efforts, the honoree's spouse received the personal memento, presented on behalf of all the enlisted members of the 911th Airlift Wing.

After the awards were presented, the honoree was joined by the Chief's Council and former inducted Hall of Fame inductees for a toast, followed by a few words from the newly-inducted honoree and his son.

As the ceremony concluded the 911th Prisoner of War/Missing in Action honor team, which Senior Master Sgt. Mathias helped create, retired the table and 911th AW Chaplain Major Brad Davis gave the benediction.