Technical Sergeant Christopher Alan Matero, 31, a Combat Controller for the 123rd Special Tactics Flight of the Kentucky Air National Guard, died from injuries sustained in an Air Force MC-130H crash during a training flight in Puerto Rico, 7 August 2002.

Matero joined the active-duty Air Force in 1992. After going through combat control training at Keesler Air Force Base in 1993 her earned his Combat Control beret. His first assignment was with the 314th Combat Control Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Four years later, he became a master instructor at the 342nd Training Squadron's combat control school at Pope AFB, N.C.

He earned a Community College of the Air Force associate degree in airway science in 1998 and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration from Campbell University in 2001.

Matero left active duty in 2001 to serve in the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, Kentucky National Guard. That year, he was on temporary duty in Morocco when the 9/11 terrorist attacks took place. Soon after he returned, he and his unit were called to active duty and deployed to Afghanistan, where he earned the Bronze Star in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2002, he was called to duty with the Special Operations Command-South in Puerto Rico. Not long before he died at age 31, he learned about his selection for commissioning as an officer.

Matero's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

Sgt Matero is survived by his wife, Roneisa, his daughter Brianna, and his son Dante; his father Frank Matero, brothers Robert, John, and Michael; and a strong support network of aunts, uncles and extended family.

SUMMARY: MC-130H Combat Talon II Crash – August 7, 2002

On August 7, 2002, a U.S. Air Force MC-130H Combat Talon II (tail number 90-0161) crashed into a mountainside near Caguas, Puerto Rico, during a nighttime low-level training mission. All 10 personnel aboard were killed.

The aircraft, assigned to the 15th Special Operations Squadron out of Hurlburt Field, Florida, had departed Naval Station Roosevelt Roads and was en route to Borinquen Air National Guard Base when it encountered adverse weather conditions, including heavy fog and rain. The crew lost situational awareness, and despite obstacle warnings, the aircraft descended into terrain at approximately 2,018 feet elevation.

All 10 Airmen Aboard Were Killed:

• Maj Michael J. Akos – Aircraft Commander

• Capt Christel A. Chavez – Pilot

• Maj Gregory W. Fritz – Navigator

• 1st Lt Nathanial D. Buckley – Electronic Warfare Officer

• Maj Panuk Paul Soomsawasdi – Special Tactics Liaison Officer (Combat Controller)

• TSgt Christopher A. Matero – Combat Controller

• TSgt Martin A. Tracy – Combat Controller

• SSgt Robert J. McGuire Jr. – Loadmaster

• SSgt Shane H. Kimmett – Direct Support Operator

• Robert S. Johnson – Flight Engineer

The crash highlighted the dangers of low-level night flying, particularly in adverse weather and mountainous terrain.