Matthew Antal

To whom it may concern: My name is SFC Antal, Matthew, I am 32 years old and from Pittston, Pennsylvania. I joined the army in 2013 to become a 12R, Interior electrician. As my career began to take off and I progressed through the ranks, I had the opportunity to be a Drill Sergeant/Senior Drill Sergeant. I am currently a Construction supervisor 12H, and a Platoon Sergeant. I have been in the Army 12 Years and had the opportunity to travel to a lot of different areas., to include Alaska, Korea, and many states inside the US. I have completed my Key Development time as a Platoon Sergeant; I am looking forward to the next opportunity in my army career and the Outdoors team is right where I want to be. My outdoor passion began at a very young age, some say I was hunting and fishing before I could even walk. My dad would take me to the woods and water every opportunity we had. I would consider myself a very skilled outdoorsman, as I understand the woods and the way animals move and live. My favorite animals to hunt are spring turkeys and big elusive white tails. I do hunt for everything I can with the opportunities given to me. One of my favorite things to do when big game is out of season, is to run my friends beagles for snowshoe hares and cottontail rabbits, there is nothing better than listening to the dogs work to find the rabbit, and listen to them chase, I have watched so many rabbits run by me, just so I can watch the dogs do what they love to do. My passion for fishing and love for water also began when I was a young buck as well, from bass fishing, trout, walleye, stripers, salmon, and even ocean fishing. I can do it all. I have competed in bass fishing club tournaments around PA and NY for years now, being successful in many. I love Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River, along with all the finger lakes, upstate NY is a “smallmouth Disneyland”. I have recreationally fished Lake Murray and Santee Cooper a handful of times. I know a lot of northern lakes like the back of my hand as it is pretty much my back yard my whole life. Every year we go to the salmon run on the Pulaski River in NY, and steelhead fish in the winter. We ice fish for walleyes in the winter and throw jerk baits for them in the spring. If I had to choose which fish to target 365 days a year, I would lean toward the bass fishing as I love running the nitro and learning new things about the fish each time I am on the water. It’s safe to say my passion for the outdoors has been running deep since I was born. I never had the opportunity to focus on competing day in a day out. With this opportunity, it will fulfill my dream of promoting my love for the outdoors, while representing the army and serving my country. I would love this opportunity to do something amazing and become a part of the army’s outdoor team.