First Lieutenant Matthew Kangas, United States Marine Corps, earned the Naval Aviator “Wings of Gold” on August 27, 2010.
Thisimportant event is the culmination of many months of intensive study and actual flight required for the successful completion of the demanding academic, military, and airborne curriculum. The syllabus is difficult and highly competitive, and ability to perform under conditions of extreme stress is carefully measured. Naval aviators are the best-trained and most highly skilled military pilots in the world. Kangas qualified not only in conventional aircraft, but has the distinction of a special certification in rotary wing aircraft.
He completed aviation pre-flight indoctrination at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida, primary flight training at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas, and advanced flight training at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida.
He is flying the AH-1W Cobra Attack helicopter and is currently at Camp Pendleton, California for several months training. He will then proceed to his permanent duty station at Cherry Point or New River Marine Corps Base in North Carolina.
When asked about his accomplishment, Kangas expressed his appreciation to the Cook County community. “The community helped mold the character needed for me to succeed. My gratitude goes out to coaches, teachers, employers, and everyone in the community who encouraged me as a mentor or friend. Thank you for teaching me the basics of integrity, fortitude, teamwork, and leadership.”
Matt is a 2004 graduate of Cook County High School and 2008 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
He is the son of Bob and Alicia Kangas of Schroeder.
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