Spokane native aces hydraulics course Published Aug. 17, 2018 By John Ingle 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – A native of Spokane, Washington, aced the 364th Training Squadron's 49-day aircraft hydraulics apprentice course at Sheppard AFB, mastering each testing benchmark with perfect scores. Senior Airman Robert Matthews, a member of the 141st Maintenance Squadron in the Washington Air National Guard, and his classmates graduated from the course Aug. 17, 2018. They were instructed on the basics of aircraft hydraulics, how to troubleshoot and repair problems, pressure checking hydraulic systems, servicing hydraulic lines and other maintenance procedures. Rank and name: Senior Airman Robert Matthews Unit: 141st Maintenance Squadron, Washington Air National Guard, Spokane, Washington Duty title: Aircraft hydraulic systems specialist Hometown: Spokane, Washington Time in service: 4 years Why you joined the Air Force: To serve this beautiful country. Family: Pat and Ana Matthews, parents; Randee, sister. Hobbies: dirt biking, snowboarding, wakeboarding Favorite aspect of job: Working on aircraft. Most memorable Air Force experience: Going TDY to Sheppard AFB. How do you make responsible choices: Having the Uber app on my phone. Instructor comment: Senior Airman Matthews continually displayed positive contributions throughout his training. His mastery of course materials challenged others to strive for excellence. His abilities and leadership were an important key to the success of his entire class. -- Randy Silliboy, aircraft hydraulics instructor