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Special Tactics Officer Earns 2006 Lance P. Sijan Award

  • Published
  • By Aaron Schoenfeld
  • AFSOC Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFSOC News Service) --  An Air Force Special Operations Command warrior has been awarded the 2006 Sijan Award for distinguished leadership.

Capt. Matthew S. Allen, a flight commander in a unit assigned to the 720th Special Tactics Group was named the junior officer category winner for the coveted award.

The Lance P. Sijan Award recognizes the accomplishments of officers and enlisted members of the Air Force who have demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in the performance of their duties and the conduct of their lives.

The closely evaluated criteria for the award include scope of responsibility, professional leadership, leadership image and community involvement.

Captain Allen earned the recognition through exemplary wartime leadership experience and home town contributions. Most of his accomplishments involve sensitive but crucial contributions to the global war on terror that must stay low key, but don't go unrecognized. His superiors credit him with working well above his pay grade and inspiring others.

"Matt Allen embodies America," said Capt. Allen's unit commander. "He is focused, aggressive, always positive and makes you do your best--superior and subordinate alike. It's an honor to work with him everyday."

Captain Allen has made a number of quick, life-saving decisions and helped lead teams that have captured almost 1,000 enemy fighters. In the training arena, he has created and implemented a pioneer program that prepares special operations forces and fighter squadrons to work together more effectively once deployed.

Not to be outdone by his own mission-related work, Capt. Allen has spent a great deal of time helping out his community. He volunteers time to the local Habitat for Humanity to build homes and does what he can to support his church and the Air Force Assistance Fund.