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Colonel Matthew (Matt) Monczewski passed away on November 13, 2008. Matt excelled in of roles at the chapter and state levels within the Air Force Association. His enthusiasm, drive and energy helped our organization stretch for key goals and also earned him a large group of friends who appreciated his positive, can-do attitude.

Matthew Monczewski served his country in foreign service as well as military service for 30 years before his death. Matt received Distinguished Military Graduate honors from St. Joseph's University in 1956. He entered active duty and served as a Navigator, Instructor Navigator and wing officer for the Military Air Transport Service (MATS). This superb Airman flew medium and heavy airlift aircraft on missions to Europe, Asia, and in the continental U.S. and eventually accumulated over 4,000 hours of flight time. In 1961, then-Captain Monczewski transferred to the Air Force Reserves. He was selected as a Foreign Service Officer and served in increasingly responsible positions at nine U.S. embassies and installations in Russia and Newly Independent States (NIS), East and West Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia. He also completed tours of active military duty abroad and joint service assignments in Washington, DC. During the last ten years of his military career, he was the Deputy Commander and then Commander of several detached training units; assisted the United States Defense and Air Attaches in Paris, France in representational and operational functions; and served as the Chairman of a reserve group at Ft. Belvoir, VA.

Throughout his lifetime, Matt channeled his intense curiosity and high energy to expand his knowledge base. He earned a Master of Science in International Relations from Boston University in 1968 and subsequently a Master of Business Administration degree from Marymount University in 1994. He also successfully completed programs at Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Air War College, and the National War College.

After retirement, this hard-charger pursued business activities and volunteer work with relentless vigor. His volunteer activities included duties as the Virginia AFA State Treasurer; Treasurer and Vice President of the Gabriel Chapter AFA; Vice President of International Trade Association of Virginia; Vice President, Chapter 1, Reserve Officers Association (ROA); and student mentor to the George Mason University International Commerce Department. Matt's accomplishments garnered repeated recognition including the highly coveted AFA National Medal of Merit and AFA

He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Virginia Monczewski of McLean, VA; daughter, Patricia Monczewski of Lafayette, LA; son, John Monczewski; and daughter-in-law, Robin Monczewski, of Sterling, VA; son, James Matthews of McLean, VA; and grandchildren, Jonathan, Catherine, and Christopher Monczewski of Sterling, VA.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. at the Fort Myer Post Chapel, Fort Myer, VA, followed by interment in Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.