LEADING THE WAY - USMC CAPTAIN MATTHEW SAMS
Squadron Executive Officer

Personal Decorations: Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 
Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal

On Leadership: “I want to set an example by doing my best to perform consistently both physically and mentally, under pressure and on demand.” 

Fitness Philosophy: “Physical discipline carries over into all areas of life. I try to incorporate a mind and body connection in my training that keeps me focused and ensures I get the most intensity out of what I am doing.” 

Birthdate: May 19, 1966
Location: Lees Summit, MO
Height: 69”
Weight: 180
Marital Status: Married to Marcia, 4 children

Active Duty Military Background

1. Military Schools attended while at 1st Recon: Amphibious Reconnaissance Course, Army Airborne School, Army Ranger School, US Navy Dive School, DCT and PSC-3 Operators Course, and SPIE/Rappel/Cast Master Course. As a member of Alpha Company I served in every enlisted billet in the platoon level to include Platoon Sergeant. I participated in several JTF anti-narcotics operations and in Desert Shield/Storm while a member of the 31st MEU (SOC). 

2. 3rd SRIG, Detachment Force Recon: I served as a team leader in the Direct Action Platoon that was a part of the Maritime Special Purpose Force or MSPF. I participated in the hand over of the Philippines while attached to the Special MGTF. I attended the Special Forces Waterborne Infiltration Course and became certified as a Close Quarters Battle Team Member. 

3. LFTC-LANT, Instructor, Amphibious Reconnaissance School: I filled the primary billet of Team Instructor and secondary billets of section rigger, Motor T NCO, Ordnance NCO, and Air Items NCO. Certified as a formal instructor under the Marine Corps SAT system, I later earned a Master Instructor rating. Beginning off duty education ultimately resulted in my being commissioned. I submitted for and was accepted for the MCP program. 

4. Attended TBS as a member of Delta Company: I graduated in January of 1997 and proceeded directly to the Marine Corps University to attend the Communications and Information Systems Officer’s Course graduating and reporting to 7th Comm Bn for duty in September of 1997. 

5. 7th Commander Battalion: I served as the Support Company Operations Officer and as the Platoon Commander for Transmission Platoon, and the Data Platoon Commander and Support Company Executive Officer. I deployed as the Advance Party OIC/SysCon OIC for UFL ’98, the Det Commander/Data OIC for Cobra Gold ’99, the Det Commander/Data OIC for Tandem Thrust ’99, the Det Commander/Operations Officer/Data OIC for UFL ’99, and the JTF Data Network Coordinator/Data OIC for JTF Cobra Gold ’00. 

6. MACG-48: I was the MWCS-48 Executive Officer in the Comm Squadron that was activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom in late February 2003. I acted as the squadron’s Force Protection Officer, Security Force Commander, and Comm/Security Liaison to external agencies. 

Hobbies: Weight lifting, running, mountain biking, muscle cars, computers,
and family activities
Favorite bodypart to train: Arms
Least favorite bodypart to train: Legs
Currently doing: July of 2003 I transferred from MWCS and reported to the
Director of TSO-KC and assumed my present duties as the Head of Technical Support
Branch in early August 2003. I have almost completed an MBA program at Rockhurst
University’s Helzberg School of Management.

"Tips from Capt Sams" 
"Make sure to consume at least a gallon of water a day."
“For muscle building and muscle recovery, consume at least a gram of protein for each pound of bodyweight.”
“To keep bodyfat levels in check, do at least 30 minutes of cardio, three times a week.”