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There are still nearly 100,000 American service members stationed far from home in Afghanistan. NBC's Jim Maceda profiles Capt. Matilda Howe- a single mother of four, a grandmother and a company commander in Afghanistan.
Capt. Matilda Howe is an impressive mix of raw energy and uncanny focus. And she needs to be: she’s the company commander in charge of keeping a key combat aviation brigade in Afghanistan's Logar province in the fight. Whether it’s fuel for her Apache and Chinook helicopter gunships, or drinking water for 4,000 soldiers - every nut, bolt, frozen vegetable, bullet or Hell-Fire missile comes under her watchful eye, as she stays one step ahead of her forward operating base’s needs. The sergeants who have to keep up with her call her "the Energizer Bunny."
But "Mattie," as she likes to be called, has a softer side, too. In her Echo Co. headquarters she anxiously awaits the next mail call and the arrival of the latest crazy nail polish from the States. She calls her 79 soldiers "her children" and knows something about mothering. When Mattie joined the Army at the age of 24 she already had four kids, and signed up on a bet she couldn’t handle the military and her large family. Not only did she thrive in the Army, she also adopted a fifth child. Today, at 36, she’s a grandmother.
"I could never have made it without my mother," she’ll tell you with tears in her eyes. Doris Gardner, herself a 50-something cancer survivor, has taken charge when it’s mattered most, watching over all the kids – her grandkids – during Mattie’s five overseas deployments. In spite of the distances and long stretches of time away from home, Mattie has tried hard to be a mother to her own. She’s addicted to Skype, calling home at least one, even two hours a night, if possible. She likes to "hang out" with her family, who gather in their living room back in Colorado Springs and chat, via cyberspace. Mattie is also good at sending short video clips she makes from her Flip camera about her life in Afghanistan and her mission there.
Mattie says she draws strength from her family, and those roots go deep – she’s also a full blooded Navajo, the first in her family to leave the reservation back in Jeddito, Ariz.; the first to complete high school and the first to get a college degree.
Captain Matilda "Mattie" Howe, Echo Co 2-10 Combat Aviation Brigade, the commander in charge of keeping a key combat aviation brigade in Afghanistan's Logar province ready for the fight, discusses the importance of family in her life.
"In my culture, family is the foundation of life," she says. Sticking together as one gives Capt. Howe the time and space to focus on her demanding job in a war zone. She has no illusions about how dangerous that can be – her unit has lost five pilots since July. But Mattie also gets strength from her tribe, and a special prayer dance performed by her grandfather before she left for Afghanistan often brings her peace, she says.
Mattie Howe is a single mom and a half marathon runner who happens to wear a uniform and defend her country. She never shies away from a challenge – I learned that the hard way when I boasted I’d beat her in a 100-yard dash, back on base. She not only smoked me but left me writhing in pain with a pulled hamstring.
She says she’s just an ordinary Native American who loves her country and wants to give back, but she’s also a tough as nails "lifer" who’s in it for the full 20 years, the first female commander in her brigade. She even dreams of becoming a general some day.
One thing’s for certain – Mattie Howe will never slow down.
Jim Maceda is an NBC News correspondent who is based in London and covers Afghanistan extensively. You can watch his series "Far From Home" on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams and on msnbc.com.
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A most remarkable woman, mother and grandmother!!! and I salute her.
This is the kinda person I could vote for as president to run this country, a self dedicated and patriotic American....we need a fire spittin grandma at helm not some con artists in the pockets of wall street and big corporations...You go grandma!!!!!!!
Are you kidding. Is this family a burden on America? You bet. We would be better off without this remarkable women whose brats burden society. How much would you bet the the new mother is herself a single mother of 3 kids with 3 different fathers in a few years.
Damn, some enlightening words from another internet dipsh!t. Morons like you are the burden to our society, not this woman who has sacrificed so much for our country. But you wouldn't know the first thing about sacrificing for your country or just giving a crap about something other than yourself.
Scab, Tell us all about your patriotic service to your country? It's SCUM like you that are a burden on our society. Bubba, go back under your rock and do the best thing you know how to do, Play With Yourself!
Way to go Mattie! You make a combat veteran (Korea/Vietnam) proud to be an American. Too bad we have so many like Scab in this country but their day will come!
@Scap zonway......................... What ever you think you are Scap, in reality, you couldn't hold a candle to this soldier. She probably does more before 8am than you do in a week and for you to disrespect an American soldier in the manner you did makes you the scum of the earth. This woman comes from a tribe that was in this country before the White man ever knew it was here. Now go off somewhere and cry foul because a woman has managed to be more than you could ever be.
And we know who the runt of the litter is, don't we?
And at least this mom is raising her kids WITHOUT a welfare check. I'd say that's a small burden, compared to posters like yourself. She seems like a damn good CO, and she should make general, no question.
So if you think you're so much better, prove it!
I'm a vet - honorably discharged. Never had a DUI, speeding ticket. Pretty much squeeky clean. Come from old American stock of the 1790's. We've been here before.
But, statistically and realistically, Scap's prophesy has some credence.
But, the captain, as an individual, is unique and newsworthy. And, she is doing her job. Native American too. College graduate.
Keep it altogether and prove Scap wrong. Native Americans and people like myself (White but non-Jew, non-Catholic, non-Episcopalian) have had to prove ourselves for centuries.
Scap, I'm guessing you voted for Obama (if you voted at all). How ironic it is that the Great Pretender to the office of Commander-in-Chief got there on the backs of hippie-coms like you, you stinking malcontent.
The Unit Toad -
Really? In my limited experience, people who complain about other people being "burden(s) on America" tend to be tea baggers who have never contributed anything to society. Really, it could be a coin flip as far as the political leanings of the @!$%#in moron, but nice of you to bless us with your omnicience.
Obama is still the commander-in -chief get over it you morron teabagger. Oh yes" I do have respect for the granny and mother of four....Thank You for you services.
The Unit Toad,
I voted for Obama and I would never say anything like that to anyone. What he said was disrespectful, but please do not generalize like that. I would like to thank Captain Howe, and all the others for their service and sacrifices.
Classic douchebaggery from the peanut gallery. Loved the one about the poor, suffering white people, too. Wow.
Scab is a troll. Don't give it attention.
Mattie can take pride in not only showing she's a true American but she's a Native American. Many Americans can claim ancestors from other countries with pride and those who formed this great United States. But Mattie comes from the land called America before even the Pilgrims landed. We should all have such patriotism toward our country. Some chose to disrespect our brave soldiers as we've seen and heard, but those Americans most likely would even protect our country. I read and heard even candidate Mitt Romney who was part the draft dodgers and even said he would never allow his son's to join the US Military but would like your vote and that of our brave soldiers to be the next Commander-in-Chief. Now I remember losing 1/3 of my senior class during the draft of the Vietnam War. Herman Cain used the deferments like Dick Cheney. Herman used education as his name in the draft was 72, but he got a job with the US Government to continue to avoid the draft. Cain is a smart man and his parents like many of that time did what ever they could to keep their sons from being drafted. Many question President Obama as he never served in the US Military but few realize he was born in 1961 and just a baby during those days but some still think he should have enlisted with his pampers on and his baby bottle.
Thank you Mattie for serving all Americans even if they don't appreciate it, your children should be proud to have a true American Patriot Mom.
Amen, and let it be known that Native Americans are waaaayyyyy over-represented in the Armed services in proportion to their population. They serve with distinction.
I admire Mattie for the hard working person she is. She has attained her goals with will, determination and heart. She has served our country well. But in doing so, she has sacrificed the one thing that should be most important to all of us as Americans. As she said so well "family is the foundation of life". Go home to your family Mattie. Your kids need you desperately.
I'll bet her kids are thrilled and delighted to have her as a role model. From my confessed scant knowledge of Native American culture, I would bet her family has stepped in to help her kids while she serves her country. But, it's not my business and it's not yours, kenny b., to say whether she HAS sacrificed the "one thing that should be most important...." That's HER decision and her family's to make. They have clearly decided this was important. Wishing the best to Mattie and her kids and grandchild.
Kenny B- This may have been the best thing for her and her family. She is providing for her children. She is providing a positive role model. She provided a great support system for herself and her children.
In addition, remember that she has been gone about five years out of twelve. Many adults everywhere but especially the reservation have to leave where they live for work. What is worse being gone five days a week or gone for a long time.
I cannot of a better foundation then what she has already given.
My husband is currently serving in Afghanistan and her certainly has not sacrificed his family to do it. Do we, as a family, make sacrifices? Absolutely. Does he hate missing our son's first high school soccer season? Yes. Are my kids proud of their father and respect him for putting his life on the line to serve our country and make sure that other troops get their supplies and that injured soldiers get out of hostile areas safely? Absolutely. The life of a military member is not for everyone. Not everyone has what it takes. This woman voluntarily enlisted as a young single mother. I guarantee that her position has provided her with training and skills she wouldn't have gotten without it. It provides for her family and she's certainly on track for a long career and benefits. What a role model for her children!
Go home to what Kenny? She's a single mother. She chose this as her career. She and her family are thriving while serving her country. Sure, she could do something else but would she be as happy as she is now? She loves her job and believe me, when a child see a parent with a job they truly enjoy, it inspires us to find something we are truly passionate about. I am a child of a military dad and I can proudly say that while my dad may have been absent some times, I knew he was doing what he wanted to do and that he loved it. He was very unhappy to be forced into retirement. So if this is what she wants to do, then she should go as far as she wants.
God bless this wonderful woman! Thank you for your service! I will add your name to my list of special requests that God bring you home to your family healthy and soon as I pray for all that serve in our military.
I salute her...and I hope she makes General. I've served a few CO's, and she sounds like a champ. If only we had more like her where it counted, not the sheeple we now have.
Huah!
Sadly, this remarkable woman, despite her many amazing accomplishments, would get booed at by the average Tea Party audience in 2011.
Toasty McGrath Oh bull crap, that's not true. Keep your stinking politics out of this.
Gooooo Mattie! You're a true warrior.
I think I can speak for most of the Tea Party members I have met and say that we think she is amazing! She's a woman, a mom, an American, and a Soldier. What is there to boo about??? Stop listening to the media and get to know us. We are white, black, Asian, Latino, Native American, Indian, etc., Christian, Jew, Muslim, etc., young, old, men, and women that care for people, believe in the Constitution, and want fiscal responsibility. Join us for a cup of tea:0)
I wish I could believe you, Caesar. I really do. But after seeing these people in action, especially in the last couple of weeks, I can't say I have any confidence in the humanity of the Tea Parties. Cheering death and booing soldiers is just too heinous to back down from. An organization can't tune itself back to normal after doing something that low and disgusting.
Ditto Toasty, but it is heartening and refreshing to see some of the Tea Partiers starting to see the light. Welcome to the real world.
Toasty already is a card-carrying member of the Tea Party. He's just too dumb to know it.
The Tea Party group started out with an honest voice/mission but was taken over by the Koch Bros/Corporations and the mission/honesty was lost. The signs of hate/racism and the boos to our brave soldiers and cheers for execution even of innocent people showed who and what the Tea Party had become. Our soldiers are of races and religions and defend every American. The real Tea Party has been taken over and that is just a fact that they can't change now. Mattie is a Native American of blood from the founded nation of America. Those who insult and dishonor her because of her being a single Mom or join the service on a bet, can look to American Leaders who dodged the draft and those running for President who say they would never let their sons join the Military. I am a proud Mother of a soldier who fought to defend/protect this country and these men/women are true PATRIOTS. Politics doesn't enter the mines of our soldiers nor does race, many can learn from that here in the USA. What's interesting is how many blogglers insult Mattie but wouldn't serve our country themselves.
No, Jackie, the Tea Party was created by Koch Industries and other corporate interests. They didn't take over the TP, they CREATED it to oppose health insurance reform.
Thanks for the info I only started following the group when they came out west and followed them when Koch Bros had their big meeting in Palm Springs California. I went out there to see who was in the group of supporters. Ya it was great and alot of big names and Law Makers too. The police pretty much protected the candidates from the crowd we were standing with. At lease I got a first hand look at the group who is working hard to take over the USA.
The video form that debate is out there. All any honest person has to do it go view it and see no one booed when he said he was gay, Two maybe three people booed when he asked the question. Go ahead and believe the lies of these millionaire propagandist in the city that screwed America though.
God speed and come home safe Capt. Howe
You go! This grandma salutes you.
SCAP, you are a SCUM BUG. Sad to say. I salute Mattie, she is a true American.
What a beautiful story of a wonderful family and mother. A true definition of family! Thank you so much for sharing her story!
sounds American to me; Grandma wears Combat Boots !!!.. as long as she's Not grumpy and cranky..sure beats the heck out of illegal mercenaries becoming tomorrow's Cops.......
You go Mattie -- i found this an inspiring story
"God manifested in the family, the noblest-human relationship"
"Do with Me What You Will" by Joyce Carol Oates
I hope no one tells her, but if she's a Captain at 50, don't thinnk she'll make General by 55, especially with the drawdown which is starting as were still engaged. LOL!
You might want to re-read the story. It says HER MOTHER is in her 50's...not her.
If she's a granny at 36 there's something wrong somewhere. And she must feel odd, having four kids of her own, yet waging war against children halfway around the world.
*mister jimmy1* she making a sacrifice so people like you can set at your computer and make stupid comments. Where have you ever serve?
She had 4 kids by 24. If she'd had her first around 16, they would be 20 now. I've know many grandparents in their mid-late 30s who had kids around 18 who had kids at 18. Might not be the way I'd do it, but hardly a horrible situation...look back a generation.
She is fighting so that little girls and women in Afghanistan can get an education. Based upon your post I can see that you don't value education so have difficulty seeing what she is contributing to the world.
Where have you served?
Whether or not Jimmy served has no bearing on her reproductive habits.
Also, your censorship is un-American. He can't speak because he disagrees with someone? Honestly, this woman is also protecting your right to make stupid comments (which, in and of itself is another stupid statement since these wars are not fighting against a tyranny intent on overthrowing our constitution).
That is your assumption. It is too bad that you never learned logic (or it went over your head) when you went to school, otherwise you would know not to make such baseless assumptions.
Disagreeing with someone is not the same as censorship.
Re-read that post. She/he is saying that if the original poster has not served in the military, he should not say anything about her. It is a common "argument," and is easy to identify even when mentioned implicitly.
Well I have served in the military, and I think MisterJimmy is full of it...why not just call her "baby killer" while you're at it? (Which essentially you are.) And ditto with her family life...say what you like, but it's HER life, not yours. She's earning an honest living, and she's serving her country. What about your credentials?
You may have the right to spout your opinion...that said, you also have the right to hear rebuttals (I prefer to use a stronger word, but I believe in the CoH). So you should expect to get a lot of heat from your comment, esp. from fellow soldiers. Picking on them is just like picking on family, and we all look out for one another. Hooahhh
It's funny that all these people who criticize the war, Soldiers, and this country are ALL part of the same problem they criticize. Boom it is YOUR fault we are in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is YOUR fault that we are killing babies. Why because I assume YOU are American and if so you have chosen through your voting which candidate to support. Since the overwhelming majority (I believe like 98% of political leaders) voted to begin these wars, YOU were part of that majority. So in essence YOU created and led America into the very wars you oppose. Pretty simple if your American it is your fault. You and your cronies are probably just mad that this woman has twice the balls as you and are actually making a difference whereas you are an oxygen thief on society.
Hi Finn,
I'm sorry, but I was not able to respond to your post yesterday because I was laughing too hard at you.
Since I am still have not been able to stop laughing at you, I just wanted to let you know that I read your post. It is too bad that wherever you are from does not encourage rational thought or logic, since your post contains none. On the other hand, it clearly encourages baseless and faulty assumptions.
Also, if you are Finnish as your moniker suggests, that also makes it your fault. Why? Finland is involved in this war.
Oops!
Wow thanks. I thought you would understand. I am so pleased that you spent the time reading my post...I feel relieved, empowered and enlightened, thank you.
I'm still laughing, but now I am also laughing that you think that you are being clever and passive-aggressive in your retort.
Well laughter is the best medicine even for a narcissistic prick like you. Other than my rant /retort, you were probably upset because the CPT does have bigger nuts than you, goodnight.
Still laughing, but I hope you wake up soon. After all, none of my comments warrant your insults.
A little fyi: you can be suspended for your "potty" mouth. There is perhaps nothing more telling than a person who cannot support their arguments without insults.
Since you have not been able to comprehend what I had written anywhere here, allow me to summarize. "I do not agree with these posters insulting the woman; however I also do not agree with those who try to shut them up." You see, I subscribe to this little notion of "freedom of speech."
I do not, however, agree with "freedom of stupidity" and that is why we have been butting heads.
I prefer calling us, American Indian. Stay strong Navajo!
mac-101
go back and re-read the article. she is not 50.
Give me an F for reader comprehension. It was her MOTHER that was 50 something. So Sorry.
That family certainly has kids at a young age -- her mother was 14 when she had her.
50-SOMETHING...not 50.
I thank you for your service. It is because of Americans like you that we are still a free people. God speed and arrive home safe.
Four kids by the time she's 24...a grandmother at 36...HER mother a GREAT-GRANDMOTHER at 50. What a LOSER family. She didn't join on a bet, she did it to get off WELFARE!!!!
*Amuzeme* you are truly ignorant!!! I bet to never had the guts to dawn a military uniform.
Amuzeme = moronic cretin.
Dear God can you read???? Her mother is 50 something. That could be 50 or it could be 59. What difference does it make??? The point is that she is working, her children are being raised by their mother with help from their grandmother, she talks to them for hours every night, she leads our troops and does her job. Quite honestly, that's more than you can say for many people who have had kids at 25 or 30 or 35. I think it's funny that you are bashing this woman for raising her children with a good job with benefits and not asking why their father isn't stepping up? Men are no longer expected to take care of their children, it's up to the mom and when she does it, she still gets criticized. Sad, sad, sad.
Have you?
Pot, meet kettle.
Well it's a good thing that as Americans we each get to decide what we think is right not what someone else decides for us. Your opinion is allowed as long as you don't try to legislate it!!
And YOUR Military credentials are?
And yours?
Again people, one thing has nothing to do with another.
Then I'll say it.
Amuzeme, what about YOUR credentials? Apparently not much, along with whoever gave you five votes. At least your comment is collapsed, which shows just how much value it's got...which again, ain't much.
Apparently I need to repeat myself:
Although I do not agree with what Amuzeme says, whether or not he/she has served has no relation to his/her ability to speak.
After all, this is not a discussion on military strategy or procedure, but on the family life of someone who happens to be a soldier and is away from family for a long time.
It's a 'feel-good' fluff piece. No military experience is required to respond, and no military litmus test is required either.
Well, this is a public forum...if you're willing to speak your piece, then you should be willing to face the music.
And if it's a feel-good piece, then so what? It still has relevance...otherwise, why are you posting here? And while you may not need a military litmus test, I think you may need an IQ one...esp. if it's grown-ups talking.
From the negative responses that collapsed this thread, I think THAT speaks more volumes than ANYTHING!
Then how about rebutting her with something relevant, rather than "oh I served in the military, and this person served in the military, so you don't know what you are talking about on a subject not related to the military!" Honestly, being a member of the armed services does not make a person better than someone who did not. Keep your ego in check.
Fortunately the military does not require a great intellect, otherwise you never would have gotten in. If you served in the military, you took an oath to support and defend the constitution. Presumably, you have some idea of what is in it (hint: IQ is not mentioned).
You failed to comprehend what I wrote, and you mock my intelligence? That's funny.
It takes only five users to collapse a comment.
I stalute Capt Howe for her patriotism. You see patriotism is more than waving a flag, wearing a lapel pen, or just saying I believe in America. Patriotism is when you actually sacrifice for your country, it's when you fight for your country and you serve your country, whether as a civilian or military. It has nothing at all to do with one's ethnicity.
How about you *Mac-101*, have you ever served in the military?
Hey, so sorry, I read too fast and didn't catch it was her MOTHER that was 50 something. You wouldn't believe me if I told ya how many years I may have in if I was in. LOL!
Besides a General Order after last Presidential election increased the restrictions of free speech in the military. So not only are you not allowed to participate in political speech in uniform, you can not now state any military affiliation you may have when saying anything that may be construed political. LOL!
You do know that a major draw down has already begun and we haven't yet withdrawn from Iraq and Afghanistan. One example is Reenlistment GT scores got to be 110 or higher. Many MOSs are not eligible to reenlist.
Thank you Captain Howe for your service!!
Outstanding Capt. Mattie,
The energizer bunny, just keeps going, and going, and going!
From one Native American Cherokee to my sister Navajo from the desert southwest. Keep it real, peace be in your heart always. SALUTE!
Be safe Capt Howe, and take care of yourself and your soldiers. Thank you so much for your service to our country.
Wow, how sad that this woman is being held up as an example for Americans! Let's see...out of wedlock mother to four children, leaves grandma to raise them, and SURPRISE the cycle continues with her soon-to-be grandchildren. This should not be considered acceptable behavior, much less exalted. Responsibility begins at home, Captain Howe.
Concerned in CA, you are exactly what we're there fighting against. Once we got our combat patches, we say how we decide to live our lives. Keep your stinking opinions away from us and be concerned about your own. Kay?
American Taliban in CA wants you to put a burkha on, Captain.
And YOUR Military credentials for protecting America are?
To Concerned in Ca.... I totally agree. Responsibility begins at home, which is exactly where she should be, taking care of responsibilities (that she created).
Well if Mattie is considered bad for being single and having kids, then you can say the same for Presidents Thomas Jefferson, Grover Cleveland and Warren Harding who all had out of wedlock kids and the American people voted them in office. America honored President Thomas Jefferson so much he's on the nickel, two dollar bill and Mount Rushmore, as a man who had out of wedlock children but served our country just like Mattie. Not bad company to be in with is it.
Maybe she had 4 kids "out of wedlock". I don't know, and I doubt that you do either. Maybe she is divorced. Or maybe she is widowed. The story didn't say. But she is supporting her family and serving her country and yes, that is someone who should be held up as an example for every one of us. Would you prefer to see her sitting around waiting for a welfare check?
Capt. Howe sure would be my hero...and that's not something I'd say lightly.
How's that, Concerned? And who died and made you the Friends of the American People?
God forbid someone should make mistakes and not have the ability to take care of the consequences. So what if she had kids at a young age. I personally do not give a crap as long as she isn't pulling the "WAHHHH IS ME" crap. She's taking care of business. Considering where she is now, I don't think her mother did such a bad job either. She could be at home collecting welfare, drinking booze, smoking crack mom but she's not! I'll take Captain Howe over what could have been any day.
Concerned in CA,
Very well said. For a single Mom of four,by age 24, to join the military is incredibly irresponsible. I do not question her abilities as an officer, but to leave 4 children to be raised by someone else is nothing less than running from your primary responsibility. Mom via Skpe is not mothering, it's 'keeping in touch'.
I wonder how these positive posters would describe her if you spent a few years in another country doing humanitarian work and left her 5 kids for someone else to raise.
She may be a good soldier. But with the choices she made, she is certainly not a good Mother.
God forbid you should ever have to be in her shoes. God forbid Mattie and others who take on such a huge responsibility make the choice to NOT serve this country. WHO are you to judge? She exemplifies those who make choices to NOT be in a position of leeching off the system. She has made huge choices that inadvertently affect us all and you sit here and knock her down for it? It's not she "may be a good soldier". She IS a good soldier. Who are you to judge what kind of mother she is? Read the story. She ADOPTED a fifth child. If one is a poor mother and evidence clearly points to that, one is not allowed to adopt. Do your homework, Kel Dog.
Personally, I am in awe of this woman...God Bless her, her children and her mother. A war isn't fought by just the soldier in active duty, but by the family of the soldier as well.
What's worse is that in a country that has over 20 million unemployed, many of you say she should join the ranks of unemployment. Yes, she has been in longer than when the economy hit the @!$%#, but had she not been, the same ones of you would complain about a woman who has kids and cannot support them. Every person has their own life and has to make decisions based on what they feel is best for their own family. It may not make for the best of parent-children relationships when children are too young to understand, but it is a decision she made for herself and her family. Sadly many Native Americans are not in good situations, she was the first in her family to have a high school diploma and a college diploma, and that's not as common as many would like for it to be. It takes a sacrifice of something to better your situation, she chose to sacrifice her time with her children to better their family. When you start personally providing for her children then you may criticize what she is doing, til then read the story and move on, her life is not directly affecting yours.
If you listen to the video-one of her children is adopted. I had my last child, one of 3 at age 32. She is also a college grad-good for her! And she is off the reservation-lovely lady!