Your Weekend Reading Assignment: Meet Your New Harding Fellow

Please welcome CPT Matt Becker to The Harding Project!

My name is CPT Matt Becker, and I am an Air Defense Artillery Officer currently assigned to the 11th ADA Brigade at Fort Bliss, TX. Though I grew up in Connecticut, if you ask me where I’m from, the answer will always be Utah. I’m the proud husband to my wife, Emma, and father to our two wonderful daughters, Zoey and Mila.

Photo courtesy of CPT Matt Becker

I attended Brigham Young University-Idaho, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and commissioned through their ROTC program in 2017. Early in my career, I was assigned to Korea, where I served as a Platoon Leader and Executive Officer for a Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) battery, gaining invaluable experiences that shaped my leadership style. As a Captain, I was assigned to the 11th ADA Brigade, where I served as the Battery Commander for HHB/1-43 ADA for 24 months. I currently serve as the Battery Commander for G-1 ADA (THAAD).

I’m truly honored to have been selected as a Harding Fellow, and I’m excited to contribute to the Army’s professional development while continuing the legacy of MG Harding. This opportunity is incredibly meaningful to me, and I view it as a responsibility to represent not only myself and my family, but the entire Air Defense branch. I fully recognize the significance of this fellowship and the trust it carries.

My path to becoming a Harding Fellow was a bit unconventional. One day, out of the blue, I received a call from my previous Battalion Commander, who asked if I would be interested in applying for a fellowship focused on writing and journalism. He mentioned that my name had been specifically listed as a potential candidate for the ADA branch. While the idea was a surprise, it was enough motivation for me to apply. The truth is, writing has always been an underlying passion of mine, and I’ve always felt it was an avenue I should explore further. In fact, I’ve had two articles published while serving in the Army, both centered on the intricacies of Air Defense, particularly based on real-world applications on the Korean Peninsula. One of these articles even led to a feature on Military.com, where we further explored the topic. These experiences reinforced my interest in writing and solidified my desire to continue contributing to the conversation about our profession.

Everyone who knows me will tell you that I write better than I speak—that’s a fact! Writing has always been a source of enjoyment for me, and I’ve come to deeply appreciate the value of good, accessible writing that can make an impact.

There are three key experiences that have shaped my understanding of writing and its importance:

1. The 9/11 Essay Contest: My earliest memory of writing occurred around 9/11. In 3rd grade, during my school’s annual spirit week, which focused on patriotism, there was an essay contest. I entered and unexpectedly won, earning my first-ever trophy during a school assembly. That moment planted the seed that I might have some ability to write.

   

   Photo courtesy of CPT Matt Becker

2. My Church Mission to Hungary (2012-2014): However, it wasn’t until my mission to Hungary that my true appreciation for writing and communication took shape. While there, my only form of communication with my family was through weekly emails. I had a limited time to share a week’s worth of experiences with loved ones, and I quickly realized how powerful effective communication could be. The writing I did during that time not only strengthened my relationships but has also remained an invaluable resource. Looking back, I can see how those lessons have been integrated into my career, especially as I continue to communicate and connect with others. Writing those weekly letters taught me not just how to communicate my experiences, but how to convey them in a way that brought others into my world. Effective communication can unite people, share diverse perspectives, and foster understanding—something I aim to carry forward as a Harding Fellow.

3. Unexpected Family Loss: In December 2021, my father-in-law passed away unexpectedly. When the dust settled, I realized that the only communication my children will ever know from him will be the letters, cards, and notes he had sent us. This loss reinforced the power of communication to leave a lasting legacy. These communications are now treasured memories, and they serve as a reminder of the profound impact writing can have on relationships and personal history.

As I begin my journey as a Harding Fellow, my primary objective is to ensure that the stories and lessons learned from our Air Defense Soldiers are captured, widely disseminated, and made accessible to those who can benefit from them. While my goals as a Harding Fellow will evolve over time, this mission remains at the core of my intentions.