For Matt Crowley, service has always been about answering the call and doing it with excellence. Enlisting in the United States Army straight out of high school, Matt shipped off to basic training in June 2001 and graduated two days after 9/11 — a moment that would shape the next 20+ years of his life.
After completing his Military Occupational Specialty training, he began his military career as a Chinook helicopter mechanic and flight engineer in Germany. Matt spent eight years there and deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan.
He served as a flight engineer, platoon sergeant, and technical inspector before attending Officer Candidate School and graduating as a Warrant Officer in 2008. That transition marked the start of his career as a Blackhawk pilot. Over the years, Matt logged more than 4,700 combat flight hours in Chinooks and Blackhawks, rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. Along the way, he held roles as an instructor pilot, safety officer, and standardization officer at battalion and brigade levels. Matt even met his wife while both were Blackhawk pilots in Seoul.
Transitioning to civilian life can be daunting, but Matt credits the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program for providing a hands-on introduction to the private sector. “It beats making a career decision based on a 30-minute interview and a polished résumé,” he says. From learning to navigate time sheets and budgets to applying lessons in safety, accountability, and leadership, he found the transition both challenging and rewarding.
Today, Matt serves as Project Executive in R.H. White’s Welding Services Division, which he helped grow into a $10 million operation. He attributes much of his success to the lessons learned in the military: understanding people’s strengths, empowering teams, and taking ownership of challenges. “I may help steer the ship, but the crew makes it move,” he says. “The success of Welding Services belongs to them.”
At R.H. White, we are proud to honor Matt and all the veterans in our company. We recognize the unique skills, leadership, and dedication they bring to our work every day, and we strive to provide opportunities for veterans to continue serving communities in new ways. Veterans Day is our opportunity to celebrate their sacrifices, contributions, and unwavering commitment — both in uniform and beyond.
Reflecting on Veterans Day, Matt emphasizes the continuity of service and sacrifice. “It reminds me of those who served before me — especially Vietnam-era veterans who did not get the recognition we do today. Any thanks I receive now are really a reflection of their advocacy and sacrifices.”
From flight decks in war zones to construction sites in New England, Matt Crowley’s story is one of dedication, adaptability, and service — proving that the principles of leadership and teamwork carry across any mission.
Thank you, Matt, and all our veterans!