New dormitory dedicated to fallen Airman Published May 20, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing, Public Affairs Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas -- Team Sheppard, Wichita Falls, and a fallen Airman's family and friends came together May 19 to dedicate Mattis Hall, a new $27 million, 300-room dormitory. Capt. William Mattis, a B-57 pilot assigned to Clark Air Base, the Philippines, was killed March 11, 1965, while participating in an aerial flight with two other B-57 pilots in support of ground action against Viet Cong forces. "Captain Mattis epitomized all the aspects of the Airman's Creed," said Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, the 82nd Training Wing commander. He also said when Airmen say they will never leave an Airman behind, they're not just saying never leave survivors or remains behind. The General said "never leave an Airman behind" also means never leave the spirit of the Airman behind. Lt. Col. Thomas Ventriglia, 363rd Training Squadron commander and guest speaker at the dedication ceremony, said the building is just brick and mortar until it is given a soul. He said Captain Mattis was a great American before paying the ultimate price for the safety of his family and country. With a soul like that, he said they couldn't ask for a better one to give the building. "To students coming from Lackland (Air Force Base, Texas), this isn't just a building," he said, "it's a new beginning." "I'm proud to have my family's name associated with this outstanding facility," said Dr. Charles Mattis, Captain Mattis' son. Kathryn Nordman, Captain Mattis' daughter, said it she was dreading talking about her father, because it would be hard, "but seeing all my friends and family and hearing about my father, I feel honored."