I have spent days crying and laughing and being so thankful for these stories and photos that have been shared and the support given to us from you all. Thank you doesn't seem like enough. 

I hope people continue to post and share as they are reflecting and remembering the many ways that Steve touched so many lives. 

Some people have expressed wanting to send things via email and remain anonymous and I would love to continue to get those messages to share them with our family and/or post them anonymously. If you would prefer to do so you can email me at ibeandraa@gmail.com.

INTERNATIONAL BREACHER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

This award is presented to the person who contributes the most to further the goals of the breaching community nationally and internationally. The selection committee bases its decision on an evaluation of performance, dedication and leadership in this field

STEVE MATTOON

Steve Mattoon joined the US Army in 1959

     - 1959-1965 (Airborne / Rangers – Platoon Sgt and Leader) – combat missions

     - 1996-1997 (classified data – US Government) – combat missions

      - 1967-1982 (Airborne / Rangers) – included combat missions

Completed 23 years of honorable US Army and Government Service

     - 1982-1987 (responsible for training and mentoring the Saudi Arabian National Guard Units /             Saudi Royal Family security assets and strategic bases and installations)

     - 1987-1995 (Contracted by the State of Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission as               well as numerous LE, Military, and Correction Department entities to assist in the                                       development and training of their personnel to include counter terrorism training for those                 responsible for the 1990 Goodwill Games)

- 1995-1997 (Defense Technology Corporation of America- Director of Training)

- 1997-2002 (High Energy Access Tools – Director of Training)

- 2002-2004 (National Security Associates – Director of Training)

- 2004-2005 (Deployed to Iraq as a Govt Contractor) – at 62 years of age

- 2005-2010 (National Security Associates – Director of Training))

- 2010-2018 (continued to act as a consultant / instructor to numerous entities)

A lot of you know Steve - a lot of you don’t. I met him back in the early 90’s – as business competitors, we became best friends and along with our good friend Russ Hart, we created the Breaching Symposium in 1999. As a United States resident and then citizen, I quickly learned to love this great nation and everything it stands for – I do to this day!

One thing that has always impressed me the most is the patriotism and love of country that the fine citizens of this nation display based on where they have been, what they have achieved, and where they are heading to! These fine citizens are all of you in this hall tonight and most definitely my good friend – Steve Mattoon who has served this nation for the last 59 years honorably, loyally and having shed blood and sweat on numerous occasions for his flag. In every good man comes a great woman – Steve has a great woman by his side every day, so I also want to pay recognition to his “lovely bride Marilyn” who is his support mechanism – thanks Marilyn for your love and support of this great man.