PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- When someone pictures a U.S. Space Force professional, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t Clark Kent from the Superman comics. However, for Lt. Col. Damian Ochs, the 21st Operations Support Squadron superintendent, that is exactly how he would describe Tech Sgt. Matthew Molosz, a Delta 2 space domain awareness evaluator and special projects manager.
“The easy parallel is that he is approximately 6-foot 3 inches tall and can bench press a car,” Ochs described. “The dark hair and glasses also sell the comparison. He never gets rattled, never lets his frustration or temper show, he just smiles and keeps going no matter what is thrown at him.”
Molosz, a Colorado Springs, Colorado, native, was born into a long line of family military tradition.
“There has been a Molosz in almost every major conflict,” Molosz said. “Not just in the U.S. military, but all around the world before my grandparents immigrated to the U.S.”
After Molosz graduated high school his father walked him through the family history and explained the long-term benefits of being in the military. It wasn’t until this conversation that Molosz began envisioning a future in the service.
“Honestly, I didn’t consider joining the military until my father presented a list of jobs within the [U.S.] Air Force to me,” explained Molosz. “Cyber jobs were never really my thing, so he placed space systems operator at the top [of the list] knowing that it would gain my curiosity. Obviously, it worked.”
Molosz has been carrying on the family tradition for nearly 10 years now as a space domain awareness evaluator and special projects manager. His position involves ensuring all operators across the Delta are adequately trained and qualified for their operational duties.
“We ensure that our operational forces are prepared to overcome any events that have the potential to threaten our space-based or ground-based assets,” Molosz said. “Being able to work with massive agencies like NASA and SpaceX to ensure both manned and unmanned space flights are accurate and on time without incident makes my job very interesting,”
Outside of work, Molosz enjoys his down time with his fiancé and their two dogs; a Golden Retriever named Tiger and a Siberian Husky named Ikaros. He enjoys a wide range of hands-on activities, from wood working to gaming. However, there is one hobby in particular that really shows off his love for animals.
“I absolutely love volunteering at the zoo,” said Molosz. “Being able to be close with the animals, especially the elephants, is a wonderful feeling. Although, it can be unnerving to have a lion sitting behind you while you’re cleaning up his toys.”
Molosz realized this was a passion of his back in February of 2018 when his office took a group trip to volunteer together at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
The Tech Sergeant said he has made it a long way from his early days in the military, but not all of it has been easy. Through many of the ups and downs of his life and career, he credits one of his mentors, Senior Master Sgt. Dan Dempsey, 721st Operations Support Squadron superintendent, who kept him on track.
“I was on the verge of separating and [Dempsey] took the time to figure out what I needed to better myself and regain my dedication to my work,” said Molosz. “Even if it hurts, you have to trust that [mentors] are honest and are trying to give you the tools to improve yourself.”
Dempsey spoke very highly of Molosz’s character and work ethic.
“Molo is the expert in the room that you want to have in your corner,” Dempsey said. “If he knows it, it is almost certainly something that you can take directly to the bank. If it is something new, then he will be the first one to pursue seeking the knowledge required to tackle the issue.”
Molosz has left many lasting impressions throughout his career. His commander also had no shortage of positive words when it came to describing Molosz.
“Matt is phenomenal,” Ochs said. “There is really no better word to describe him. He attacks any task, from the mundane to the national security impacting, with exactly the same level of effort, attention to detail and enthusiasm. He will leave our unit this summer, and believe me, his absence will be felt.”
Not only does Molosz have an impressive work ethic, but he is also described as an incredible friend and a man of honor.
“He’s honest, owns his mistakes and is also not afraid to hold his peers and friends accountable,” Dempsey said. “He will never be the most outspoken person in the room, but will always provide you what he can offer.”
Aside from his coworkers and mentors, Molosz also finds motivation through a little healthy competition.
“I have the opportunity to set goals based off of my family,” explained Molosz. “I am constantly in playful competition with my cousins. We are always comparing our achievements and taking shots at each other to keep us motivated.”
Through it all, Molosz has never lost his selfless attitude and a drive to support those around him. If anything has stuck out to him throughout his years in the military, it is the sense of comradery and resilience.
“Often we find ourselves dwelling on the pressure we may be under,” Molosz said. “It is important to me that we don’t forget those who are next to us dealing with that same pressure. We need to take care of each other. We are all in this together.”