MARTINSBURG, W.Va. –
Tech. Sgt. Matt Laign has served in the 167th Airlift Wing for nine years. He was a C-5 Galaxy aircraft crew chief prior to his current duty as a water and fuels systems craftsman.
As the sole water and fuels systems craftsman in the unit, he manages the plumbing wastewater collection systems and liquid fuel storage. Laign is responsible for the maintenance of the base fueling systems and he ensures all components in the aircraft fueling system are in working condition. He is also trained in principles of operation and construction and fire suppression systems.
“Matt has been an incredible resource to have in our squadron,” said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Wachter, chief of operations for the 167th Civil Engineering Squadron. “His ability to do many different things very well makes him one of our top Airmen.”
Laign assisted in various capacities here at the wing while numerous civil engineering personnel were deployed this past year.
“Tech. Sgt. Laign has done everything from being a production controller to a contract officer representative to an equipment operator and repairer,” Wachter said.
Laign has a Bachelor of Arts in history education and an associate degree in aviation maintenance technology from the Community College of the Air Force.
He has set his sights on becoming a chief master sergeant for the 167th Civil Engineering Squadron.
Laign is most proud of earning his bachelor degree and being named West Virginia’s Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in 2017.
His hobbies include golf, physical fitness and working on odds and ends around his house.
“People may be surprised to know that I am ridiculously bad at math, that’s why I went for a history degree. And I golf frequently but still can’t putt to save my life,” said Laign.