Airmen learning center dedicated to fallen 'hero'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The base's First Term Airman Professional Enhancement Center was dedicated to a Moody hero during a ceremony June 6 here.

Master Sgt. Michael Maltz, a pararescueman with the 41st and 38th rescue squadrons from 1997 until 2003, was killed when the HH-60G Pave Hawk he was riding in crashed during a rescue mission in Afghanistan in 2003.

"Sergeant Maltz paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Master Sgt. Harriett Mallory, 23rd Force Support Squadron FTAC superintendent. "The newly dedicated Master Sgt. Michael Maltz FTAC/PE Center will serve as a reminder for all Airmen of our core value--service before self."

The ceremony included the unveiling of the center's new sign baring his name as well as a painting of the sergeant to be placed inside the center.

"During Sergeant Maltz's time as a pararescueman, he left a great impression on many young Airmen, especially when he was an instructor at the PJ indoctrination course," said Tech Sgt. Robert Disney, 38th Rescue Squadron. "He was a great role model for young Airmen; his greatest love in the Air Force was taking care of his Airmen. It's fitting that the FTAC/PE center was named for him.

"Not only was he a great NCO, he was also a great father, mentor, friend and instructor," he added. "He was just an outstanding, professional pararescueman; hopefully the Airmen who go through the FTAC/PE class will be able to learn from the examples Sergeant Maltz set forth."

The FTAC/PE center serves as a location for new Airmen to learn about areas including finance, health and safety before entering their first duty station.

The event also allowed Sergeant Maltz's family to return to Moody and enjoy the ceremony with his fellow Airmen.

"This was really just a great experience," said Kyle Chabot-Maltz, son of Sergeant Maltz. "The ceremony was fantastic; it was great to have the whole family here to watch the center be dedicated to my father."