In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the August 2008 Veteran of the Month Recognition to Mathew Bergendahl.

Mathew entered the United States Air Force on September 15, 1999 and served until September 15, 2005. After Basic Training and Security Forces schooling, he was sent to Ellsworth AFB before being deployed to Kuwait. Upon deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in September 2001, he performed flight duties, anti terrorism support and vehicle fleet maintenance until returning home. In January 2003, Mathew was deployed to Oman to perform flight duties including vehicle search. He was then forward deployed to Quatar as Vehicle Search Leader until forward deployed to Iraq performing Air Base Defense, anti terrorism and general flight duties until returning home in July, 2003.

Mathew was decorated with the OEF/OIF campaign medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Global War on Terrorism medal, Airman Achievement medal, Air Force Good Conduct medal, Small Arms Expert medal and Outstanding Unit Award with valor.

Mathew is a resident of Rapid City, married with two children. He is enrolled at Western Dakota Technical Institute as a full time student. He is a work study participant of the Rapid City Vet Center, serving 20 hours a week. Mathew is an outstanding war veteran and continues to serve those individuals who have served and continue to serve our county. His service to our Nation and our veterans reflect great credit upon him, the United States Air Force and the Rapid City Vet Center.