About
SFC Matt Sonsteng was born in Glasgow, MT (also known as the “Middle of Nowhere”). He enlisted into the Montana Army National Guard at the age of 17 and finished high school in the spring of 2001. Upon graduation he shipped out to Fort Sill, OK where he completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training as a Field Artillery Cannoneer. He stayed in Field Artillery until 2004 when the National Guard experienced a large change in dynamic with the fallout of 9/11. He attended school at Fort Leonard Wood, MO to become a Military Policeman. His mission was Law and Orders Operations at Fort Wainwright, AK from 2004 to 2006. Upon completion of this duty SFC Sonsteng moved back to Montana and attended school at Montana State University – Bozeman. He completed his degree with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology with emphasis on Fish and Wildlife Management. He started working as a Fisheries Technician for the U.S. Forest Service until duty called once again in 2012 when he was deployed to Kandahar Afghanistan in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He performed duties as a Squad Leader for a Personal Security Detachment of 13 Soldiers. He ensured the safe movement and security of various leaders and mentors of the Afghan security forces in and around Kandahar City. Upon his return home he finished another year with the U.S. Forest Service before moving to Helena to work full time for the Montana Army National Guard. SFC Sonsteng worked in education, mobilization and operations before making his way to his current position at Carroll College. He has been enjoying mentoring and learning from the awesome Cadets at Carroll College.
He has happily been married since 2010 to his wife Melissa. They have two boys, Reese and Kellan, who keep them hopping and plenty busy. He and his family enjoy many of the outdoor opportunities that Montana has to offer. They enjoy fishing, camping and hiking and don’t pass up any chance to explore new parts of this great State. Every year is a new adventure and they look forward to the years to come.