Contact

540-946-7700 ext. #116

mwhitney@fymi.net

Office

Admin Building - Main Floor - SE Corner

CLASSES \ RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct the Barracks Life Program

Barracks Life Coaches

LTC Matthew D. Whitney, USA (RET)

Commandant - Dean of Students

It is my responsibility to establish a Barracks Life Program for every Cadet to receive a sound academic foundation, a healthy mental and physical environment, and provide leadership training for a better understanding of the obligations of honor, citizenship, and self-discipline. I aim to create an immersive, engaging, positive and safe environment for students to live, make memories, grow and develop.

Our Cadets are different from all the rest— they chose to come here. Candidly, that makes them better. Boys don’t need the distraction of others in lesser environments think they need. There is a brotherhood here. It’s a legacy that can’t be found in the halls of any public school. And it will last your entire life. Any high-school graduate who says they aren’t jealous of what can only be found at Fishburne, is probably not being sincere.

My advice to a young Cadet: If you consider first how you will lift others, you will have the best time of your life here. In your circle of friends or acquaintances there is always someone who needs what you have to offer: encouragement; a smile; correction; friendship; and compassion. Give those things freely.

I’ve been married for 37 Years to the former Patricia Erekson. I am a proud dad of six kids, and grandfather of six kids.

CREDENTIALS:

US Army Officer (1988-2010); US Army Solider (USAR) (1981-1983); Managing Director – Feld Entertainment, Beijing (2010-2015); Guest Experience Manager – Walt Disney World (2016-2021); Operations Manager – Amazon (2021-2024) Also served in various BSA Roles from 1992-2014. Taught ROTC at BYU and Chinese at USMA.

EDUCATION:

MA – Cornell University

BA – Brigham Young University

Command and General Staff College

INTERESTS:

Creating and performing music. Table-Top Gaming. I’ve played Billy Joel’s piano. I was awarded the Eagle Scout Medal and Silver Beaver Medal by the BSA.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:

  • Legion of Merit Medal
  • Bronze Star Medal
  • Meritorious Service Medal with 2 OLC
  • Joint Service Commendation Medal
  • Army Commendation Medal
  • Army Achievement Medal with 4 OLC
  • Army Achievement Medal with 2 OLC
  • Joint Meritorious Unit Award with 1 OLC
  • Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
  • National Defense Service Medal with Service Star
  • Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • Korea Defense Service Medal
  • Army Service Ribbon
  • Army Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral “3”
  • Order of the Cloud and Banner 6th Class (Republic of China / Taiwan)