Matthew Filipowski played a key leadership role in the establishment of the air link. He has made a unique contribution. He has added significant knowledge of air operations and ground support as well as runway construction and maintenance and actively shared this knowledge by mentoring others. He demonstrated ingenuity and initiative, using local conditions and adapting existing knowledge (e.g., McMurdo). He demonstrated adaptation, innovation, persistence, uncompromising standards, leadership and creative thinking.
Matthew demonstrated an amazing measure of accuracy and skill. He created a high-standard culture, documenting systems to ensure the project and runway have longevity. He maintained and motivated his crew in adverse conditions and through personal injury, sickness and equipment failure.