COL Joseph Matthews
Colonel Joseph G. Matthews currently serves as the 43rd Commandant of Cadets for the University of North Georgia, the Senior Military College of Georgia. He retired from the United States Army after 27 years of service as an enlisted Infantry Soldier, Air Defense Artillery Officer, and Military Intelligence Officer. He served at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels, in a variety of command, staff, and joint positions, supporting infantry and special operations units in combat.
His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal 2nd Award, Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Meritorious Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device, Combat Action Badge, Army Parachutist’s Badge, Army Aviation Crewmember’s Badge, and Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge.