Local man receives Air Force commendation medal

Sergeant Matt Abston, a Pleasant Grove School District employee, received an Air Force commendation medal for his meritorious service from 2011 to 2015.

A member of the Building Services Department, Matt Abston has been with Pleasant Grove ISD for 15 years and in the Air Force for 16 years. He has two sons, ages 8 and 6.

We congratulate Seargeant Abston on his service to his country and his dedication to local students in our community.

The Certificate from Department of the Air Force reads:
“Staff Sergeant C. Matthew Abston distinguished himself by meritorious service while assigned to 307th Force Support Squadron, 307th Mission Support Group, 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. During this period, Sergeant Abston served as Non-commissioned Officer in Charge for food services, lodging, and readiness, as well as equipment custodian and contracting office representative for the Services Sustainment Flight. Sergeant Abston managed an 18.7 million dollar dining facility with over two thousand meals served on unit training assembly weekends. He revamped the base club’s “to-go” meal and headcount procedures, decreasing wait-times by 20 percent. He also audited over 180 Troop Feeding Headcount records and accounted for 17 thousand dollars with zero final discrepancies. Additionally, he executed a temporary feeding plan during an emergency dining facility closure ensuring nearly 400 Airmen were fed. Furthermore, Sergeant Abston maintained 100 percent accountability for over 20 thousand dollars in information technology inventory with zero reports of survey incidents and reduced lodging no shows and walk-ins by 75 percent. His efforts saved over five thousand dollars in fiscal year 2015. Finally, Sergeant Abston processed a real-world mortuary case. He ensured expedient delivery of human remains to the Airmen’s home of record and was commended by 100th Force Support Squadron Commander. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Abston reflect credit upon himself and the United States Airforce.”