By Matt Magness
In the grand fabric of life, relationships and connectedness weave patterns both intricate and enduring. Much like a well-timed joke shared with friends or a heartfelt conversation that makes time seem to stand still, these bonds create a web of support and understanding that often surprises us with its depth. In Special Operations, these relationships aren’t just valuable—they’re essential as we all remain connected from our past in more ways than one.
My journey into Special Operations began in September 1993 on a dusty ramp at Reese Air Force Base. I was waiting for my cousin John Magness and his crew as they made a quick pit stop on their way back to Fort Campbell. John, piloting his MH-60 Blackhawk, and his fellow pilot Mike Durant (SOWF Board Member), were part of the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment stopping through that day. A “hi”, an introduction, a quick tour of the base for John, a peek in the MH-60 cockpit, and they were back in the air. The training mission they just finished was cloaked in secrecy, but I knew it was something extraordinary. Just 30 days later, they would find themselves in Mogadishu, embodying the heart of Special Operations.
At that time, my career was just beginning to gain altitude. I graduated from pilot training in December 1993, aiming for a position with the MC-130s that I hoped would open up on assignment night. However, fate had other plans, and I was assigned to fly C-130s at Pope Air Force Base. My instructors advised me to gain experience and learn how to employ the “130”, before applying for Special Operations. Wise words, indeed. I kept my eyes open for an opportunity, which finally came in 1996 when a position for flying the MC-130H at RAF Mildenhall in England appeared on the assignment webpage.
I had heard of pilots transitioning into Special Operations out of the C-130 community, but the path wasn’t well defined. Taking a leap of faith, I called the Squadron Commander to introduce myself after submitting my application. As it turned out, I was the only applicant who made that extra effort. It paid off, and I was selected to head to England with a brief stop in New Mexico for MC-130 training. This seemingly small action would significantly shape my career for the next 25 years.
In 1997, my wife and I arrived in England, stepping into, what would become, one of the most rewarding chapters of my 30-year Air Force career. We forged lifelong friendships and connected with families we still stay in touch with today, including future fellow Ambassadors Gregg and Janet Vander Ley. Special Operations really is a small world—one of my squadron mates from this period recently sold our son a house in Florida!
The relationships I built in Special Operations were unlike any other. The trust we developed and the camaraderie we shared allowed us to remain connected across decades. It’s a unique bond that many can relate to. The people I met were exceptional—some of the best squadron and crewmates anyone could ask for. They taught me not just how to operate effectively within Special Operations, but also how to overcome challenges and support one another.
After England, I moved to Hurlburt Field, working in operational test. I was part of a fantastic team that helped bring the CV-22 Osprey back online for AFSOC and enhance the aircraft’s situational awareness displays. This experience broadened my understanding of complex aircraft operations and deepened my connections with fellow operators as I worked closely with fellow MH-53 crews during simulator exercises at Bell Helicopter. This broad exposure significantly influenced the later stages of my career but further broadened my Special Operations relationships.
In 2004, I was selected to the Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC). Although it wasn’t initially on my radar, I was grateful for the opportunity. Little did I know, SOCOM had funded a specialized “SOF track” bringing together Special Operators from all branches for a year of study and learning. Moreover, these teammates took on another title within my SOF circle—that of fellow classmates. One of those relationships was with Patrick Powers, a fellow SOWF Ambassador, who became a great friend and teammate as we sat together in the same staff group.
Leaving CGSC, I was assigned to the Pentagon to work on SOF programs. While the work was important, I missed the camaraderie of Special Operations. It’s often said that it’s not the grand victories but the small, steady contributions that matter, and this insight helped me appreciate the value of my role within the vastness of the Pentagon. Build relationships and get things done.
Within three years, I was back in Special Operations at a leadership level. Hired by John Maubach, current SOWF Ambassador, it was a privilege to return and help train the next generation of aircrew. Shaping their future and preparing them for success was a deeply fulfilling aspect of my career and further broadened my circle to now include Rescue Aircrew where I came across Billy Thompson, now SOWF Ambassador, as his group and later wing was a customer of the aircrew I trained.
In 2013, I returned to AFSOC as the deputy group commander at the 1st Special Operations Group. Many familiar faces were there as well as many of the aircrew I had helped train. This is where I had the pleasure of meeting Allison Black, a fellow Ambassador, who impressed me with her can-do spirit and humility as she introduced me to the U-28. I was not surprised to see her lead a Special Operations wing several years later.
I concluded my Air Force career in 2022 as the Vice Commander and Operational Test at Kirtland AFB. Seeing the newest programs was inspiring, but all good things must come to an end and batons passed. After transitioning to civilian life, I took a knee for about 10 months, volunteered with Team Rubicon, and explored new opportunities. It was during this time in February 2023 that I received the heartbreaking news that my cousin John Magness had passed away while summiting Mount Aconcagua in Argentina. He was working to raise money and awareness for the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund through his climb, he even sported a SOWF cap on the climb up sending his photo to SOWF President and CEO, MG (Ret) Clay Hutmacher which now hangs in the hallway at SOWF. His loss was profound, especially since we had shared Special Operations service together.
Soon after, Clay reached out, inviting me to fill John’s role as an Ambassador for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. I was both honored and humbled. I knew of SOWF through the years as several families I knew benefited from its generosity. But it is so much more. Joining SOWF has revealed the immense impact of this organization and its “Enduring Promise” to supporting the families of SOF members.
Now, as I collaborate with Kelly Becker and other SOWF team members on fundraising efforts, including spearheading the effort behind a possible SOWF inaugural appearance at the Boston Marathon next year as a charity fundraising organization, I am reminded of the heartfelt importance of relationships that spanned my career in Special Operations. My career was a journey of growth and connection. And, having stepped into this role with SOWF, I am deeply grateful to continue the legacy of service within the Special Operations community.
