Matthew Kurz

  

Biography:

Military Experience: 13.9 years

Work Experience: 18.2 years

Work Experience:

After approximately 14 years in the infantry, I feel there's only really one civilian career field that would make a good fit for me, and that is in construction. There are numerous aspects of construction that I enjoy and frequently find rewarding; some of those aspects include, but are not limited to: hands-on work, working outside/change of scenery, tangible results from hard work/sense of pride, comradery, and learning skills that can help in numerous other areas of day-to-day life. My time in the Army helped me to develop and foster numerous character traits and strengths that are critical to success in any career field: leader, organized, punctual, articulate, goal-oriented, focused, inquisitive, self-motivated, professional, and diligent. Whatever career field I end up in, I want to start from the "bottom" and work my way up. In other words, I feel it is vital and necessary for me to start at the hands-on, beginner position, work may way up to becoming a subject matter expert as a journeyman, and then eventually transition into some type of leadership/management position. Ideally, I'd like to work as an elevator constructor, but I am also open and interested in several other careers.  

Military Service:

  • Rank: Staff Sergeant

    Branch/Position: Army

    Period: May 2013 - June 2023

    Occupation: Infantryman - 11B

    Security Clearance: Secret Clearance

    Duties Description:

    I originally joined the Army in February 2003 as an infantryman. Immediately following Basic and Airborne School, I reported to the 101st Airborne Division, and I was quickly deployed to Iraq in August 2003. After that deployment, I returned to Fort Campbell and volunteered for Ranger School. I successfully graduated Ranger School in December 2004. I then returned to Iraq in August 2005 for a year-long deployment. Following that deployment, I was Honorably Discharged in November 2006. I had a 6.5-year break in service, and returned to active duty in May 2013. During my break in service, I worked as a land surveyor and a masonry apprentice. I also received my B.A. in Political Science (graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.78 GPA). After returning to active duty, I was successfully selected at the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) course. Unfortunately, while attending the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), I had to be medically dropped after contracting Clostridium Difficile Colitis (“C Diff”). Following my time in the SFQC, I served in the 82nd Airborne Division. In the 82nd I officially served as a Squad Leader, but I was also quite frequently the acting Platoon Sergeant. I deployed back to Iraq in January 2017, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. After returning to Fort Bragg, I attended the Advanced Leader Course (ALC) in order to receive my promotion to Staff Sergeant. My next assignment was to 6th Ranger Training Battalion (RTB), Eglin AFB, FL. I reported to FL in December 2019 as a new Ranger Instructor (RI). The last position that I held at 6th RTB was as a Battalion S3 NCO (duties included training, planning, and coordinations for all land/air operations) until my medical retirement on 20 June 2023. During my time in S3, the Army did not require nearly as much of my time, so that’s when I began working part-time as a marine construction laborer.  

Work history:

  • Job Title: Marine Construction Laborer

    Company: Dale's Marine Construction

    Period: September 2022 - present

    Role Description:

    · Constructed sea walls, docks, boat houses, and boat lifts 

    · Utilized hand-held power tools, air compressor, water pump, etc. 

    · Communicated with clients and potential clients 

    · Operated boat/barge 

    · Trained new employees and managed the division of labor to increase efficiency  

  • Job Title: Infantryman

    Company: U.S. Army

    Period: May 2013 - June 2023

    Role Description:
    • Ranger School Instructor
    • Airborne Infantry Squad Leader
    • Acting Platoon Sergeant

  • Job Title: Marine Construction Laborer

    Company: Build Home Services

    Period: January 2022 - June 2022

    Role Description:

    · Constructed sea walls, docks, boat houses, and boat lifts 

    · Utilized hand-held power tools 

    · Operated compact track loader and familiarized with small excavator controls 

    · Purchased job-essential equipment 

    · Communicated with clients and potential clients  

  • Job Title: Masonry Apprentice

    Company: Bryan Morris Masonry

    Period: June 2010 - June 2012

    Role Description:

    · Built stone walls, walkways, foundations, and veneers 

    · Prepared construction site with necessary materials and tools 

    · Operated hand-held power tools 

    · Communicated with clients  

  • Job Title: Factory Laborer

    Company: REI Distribution Center

    Period: May 2008 - December 2008

    Role Description:

    · Manually carried products into warehouse 

    · Received products into computer software system 

    · Operated electric pallet jack  

  • Job Title: Land Surveyor

    Company: So-Deep Inc.

    Period: January 2007 - May 2008

    Role Description:
    • Utilized prizm pole, grade rod, jackhammer, surveying total station, and pneumatic tamper
    • Operated vacuum truck
    • Downloaded/uploaded survey data into computer software system
    • Communicated with engineers

  • Job Title: Infantryman

    Company: U.S. Army

    Period: February 2003 - November 2006

    Role Description:
    • Infantry Fire Team Leader
    • Communications Specialist

Education:

  • Millersville University

    Bachelor's Degree – Political Science

    Period: January 2010 - May 2012

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