Protective. Upbeat. Positive. Active.

Those are some of the words that have been used to describe this week’s Warrior of the Week: Staff Sergeant Matthew Mildorf.

Point Pleasant’s 27-year-old SSGT Mildorf is the chief of operations for field artillery in the Marine Corps.

SSGT Mildorf is currently stationed at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California.

Maryanne Mildorf, his mother, said that she nominated SSGT Mildorf as a “warrior” because of the pride she has in her son’s accomplishments.

SSGT Mildorf enlisted 10 years ago, right after graduating from West Orange High School.

He decided to enlist after the attack on 9/11, said Mildorf.

“After he saw the fear in his sister’s eyes on that day, Matthew was compelled to protect them and the country,” said Mildorf.

During his service, SSGT Mildorf went on two tours to Iraq, and just returned from his tour in Afghanistan.

He was awarded a Purple Heart medal after his tour in Iraq.

A bomb went off while SSGT Mildorf and his team were setting up radar equipment on a roof.

He stayed with the rest of the men and kept them alive until further help arrived, said Mildorf.

“He was afraid to tell me what happened at first because he knew I would be worried,” said Mildorf. “I’m just proud of what he did.”

Now, he is working in the field and supervises artillery operations.

SSGT Mildorf hopes to eventually pursue a career in law enforcement as a state trooper, said Mildorf.

His wife and 5-year-old son are waiting for his arrival back home in July, said Mildorf.

“I tried sending a care package to him while he was away, but he only requested things for the other guys with him that were missing home,” said Mildorf.

“He’s really thoughtful in that way.”

Outside of the military, SSGT Mildorf spends his free time with his son, is active in his church and youth group, and participates in many fundraisers, said Mildorf.

“There are not many people that can do what he does, and be happy to do it. I’m so proud of everything he does,” said Mildorf.

 

 

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