Tech. Sgt. Matthew Canoy

  • Published
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  "Tip of the Spear" is a weekly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Airmen for the work they do every day at Hurlburt Field. Tech. Sgt. Matthew Canoy, Special Tactics Training Squadron Personnel Recovery and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Operations and Training flight chief, was selected for this week's spotlight. 

Name: Tech. Sgt. Matthew Canoy

Unit: Special Tactics Training Squadron

Duty Title: Personnel Recovery and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Operations and Training flight chief

Hometown: Kuna, Idaho

Date Entered Air Force: June 23, 2002

Hobbies: Spending time with my family, hunting and watching sports

Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined to make a difference, pay for a college education and travel all over the world.

How does your Air Force Specialty Code contribute to the mission?
SERE specialists prepare high-risk-of-isolation-personnel for the worst case scenario. We provide the knowledge and confidence for anyone to survive, evade, resist and escape in any environment.
 
What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
The Hurlburt community, the mindset and focus of everyone here.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
Meeting, getting to know and working with people from all over the U.S. and the world. 

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force?
Buy a camera and take advantage of all the places you get to see. 

What motivates you at work?
Just doing the job. Showing up every day and working with the people that I get a chance to work with is motivating in itself.
 
Who are your heroes/role models?
Staff Sgt. Timothy Davis, a SERE specialist turned Combat Controller who was killed in action in Afghanistan, and Staff Sgt. John Conant, 6th Special Operations Squadron, because everything he does is to perfection. If I don't stay on my game, these two will keep me on the right path. 

Advice to Others?
Control what you can control. Don't get caught up on the decisions that are made outside your level. 

Why was he selected?
"Sergeant Canoy was selected because of his incredible contributions to the training of Air Force Special Operations Command Battlefield Airmen and Air Commandos. Also, as the Air Force Special Operations Training Center personnel recovery expert, he managed seven weapon systems and built the personnel recovery umbrella for 25 aircraft and more than 435 special operations forces operators. He exemplifies being a quiet professional and was selected as AFSOTC's NCO of the year."
-Lt. Col. Michael McNerney, AFSOTC deputy commander