Warrior of the Week

It is Military Monday -- a time to honor those that serve or have served our country. Today we thank  Matthew Leroy from Howell.

A 2009 Howell High School graduate and Howell native is serving aboard USS John S. McCain in Japan.

Seaman Matthew Leroy is a boatswain's mate aboard the ship that accommodates our nation's furthest forward deployed naval forces.

A 23-year old with numerous responsibilities, Matthew says he is learning about himself as a leader, sailor and person. He says "I grew up with a lot of opportunity that I took for granted. The Navy is giving me a chance to help people and give back."

Matthew also says he is proud of the work he is doing as part of the ship's 300-member crew, all living thousands of miles from home and protecting America on the world's oceans.

The sailors on this ship are continuously on watch throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and remain among our nation's first responders.

This ship is routinely assigned to Carrier Strike Group operations, leading new international exercises. The jobs on board are highly specialized to keep each part of the destroyer running smoothly, including maintaining engines and handling weaponry.

Matthew's commander says the Navy presence has to be where it matters and he is so proud and amazed by the knowledge the ship's sailors display and the work they do every day. He says "Their professionalism, motivation and commitment to the Navy are genuinely inspiring."

Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide the required warfighting expertise to execute any task overseas. These destroyer ships excel as the Navy's premier fighting warships.

So Matthew, as a member of one of the US Navy's most versatile combat chips, understands that he is part of a forward deployed team that is heavily relied upon to help protect and defend America across the world's oceans.

Matthew says "The Navy has given me so many opportunities. It has taught me how to be a good husband and a responsible adult."

Matthew hopes to become a pilot one day.

Matthew...today we honor and thank you for your service and for keeping our country safe.