REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - The Army said farewell to one of its finest aviators and leaders.
Lt. Col. Mathew "Kirk" McCauley was recognized for his lifelong dedication and accomplishments in the Army after more than 20 years of military service and relinquished his responsibility as the product director for the Army's fixed wing fleet of Transport Aircraft during a retirement ceremony May 5.
"Kirk is the definitive example of a servant leader," said Col. Steven Clark, project manager for Fixed Wing Aircraft within the Program Executive Office for Aviation. Clark highlighted McCauley's accomplishments in the product directorate whose mission includes the program management of the Future Utility Aircraft, a retirement and replacement program for the aging and range limited Operational Support Airlift aircraft.
A devout Christian and consummate family man, McCauley dedicates much of his time when he is not wearing the Army uniform, serving his local community. A deacon in his church, McCauley leads Bible studies and has participated in mission trips around the world including the U.S., Haiti and Nepal. "He is a true representation of what it means to be a servant leader," Clark said. Additionally, McCauley consistently helps in running events that benefit local charity such as the Army Emergency Relief campaigns.
"The most special thing in my career is the friendships that I've made," McCauley said. He thanked the leaders who took a personal interest in mentoring him, which he described as the culture in the Program Executive Office for Aviation leadership.
A native of Hartsville, South Carolina, McCauley completed flight training and the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior aircraft qualification course and served in variety of leadership responsibilities to include flight platoon leader and assistant brigade operations officer, small group instructor for Attack and Cavalry Operations at the Aviation Officer Basic Course, commander of A Company, 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment, and assistant squadron operations officer in 4th Squadron, 278th Aviation Regiment, Tennessee National Guard.
McCauley also served in a variety of acquisition positions including being in both the Comanche TRADOC Systems Manager and various program management offices with the Program Executive Office for Aviation. In 2004, he deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to conduct the initial fielding of the Raven small unmanned aircraft system. He subsequently served as the assistant product manager for the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter and Iraqi Armed 407 programs. Prior to being the product director for Fixed Wing Transport Aircraft, McCauley served as the product director for the Armed Scout Fielded Systems in the Armed Scout Helicopter project office, where he managed fleets of OH-58A/C Kiowa, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, and TH-67 Creek aircraft.
"Acquisition takes a special temperament because we rarely see the fruits of our labors," McCauley said. Recognizing the accomplishments of his team, he said "This team of 38 people supports two-thirds of the Army's fixed wing aircraft," which translates to 211 airframes divided into 27 different series of aircraft. These include the service secretary controlled Gulf Streams and Citations, the Operational Support Airlift Agency turbo prop VIP transports, "all while sustaining unparalleled operational readiness rates."
McCauley is relinquishing the reins of responsibility to his deputy, Gerry Cox.
McCauley and his wife, Tiffany, along with their four children plan to remain in the Tennessee Valley community.
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