Philadelphia Eagles Hometown Hero

SMSgt Matthew D. Benko is currently a C-130 Loadmaster Evaluator and Section Chief at the 142d Airlift Squadron, 166th Airlift Wing, located in New Castle, Delaware. He is responsible for the deliberate development of all Airmen in the 142d Airlift Squadron Loadmaster Section. His mentorship provides oversight and recommendations regarding readiness, health, welfare, and quality of life for the enlisted force (approx. 35 members) in the section.

SMSgt Benko has been in the military for over 21 years starting his United States Air Force career with a four-year Active-Duty enlistment in August 1997 until November 2001. Upon honorably completing his Active-Duty enlistment in 2001, SMSgt Benko took a break in service to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Upon earning his Bachelor's Degree in 2007, SMSgt Benko reenlisted into the USAF via the Air National Guard. SMSgt Benko went on to earn his Master's Degree in 2010. Prior to his current position SMSgt Benko served as a weapons load and maintenance crew member and technical order distribution officer in Active Duty and Air National Guard.

SMSgt Benko has significant operational experience and has participated in several operations and exercises as well as deployments in direct support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, FREEDOM SENTINAL, and INHERENT RESOLVE. In addition to his current position, SMSgt Benko also served as an Additional Duty First Sergeant and Unit Career Advisor, 166th Operations Group from 1 November 2015 to 1 June 2018.

SMSgt Benko is currently an active volunteer for the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF). He is a Character Does Matter (CDM) mentor, mentoring since 2015 and has for several hundred youth through interactive presentations and CDM courses at a variety of schools and organizations. In his civilian capacity he worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Mental Health Therapist 2012 to 2016. He is currently a Veterans Education Advisor for Pennsylvania's Department of Education- Bureau of Postsecondary and Higher Education- Division of Veterans and Military Education.

Sergeant Crystal Fragoso was born on April 13, 2000 in Homestead, Florida. After high school graduation, she enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended recruit training in November 2019 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduation of recruit training, Private First Class Fragoso went on to complete Marine Combat Training (MCT) in Camp Geiger, North Carolina. At the conclusion of MCT, she attended Personnel Administration School for training in the Administrative Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

Upon completion of MOS school, Private First Class Fragoso executed orders to her first duty station at Air Traffic Control Company (ATC CO) L, Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 2 in May 15 2020. During this time, Private First Class Fragoso served as the sole administrative clerk for Lima Company, assisting with all administrative matters for over 100 Marines. During this time Private First Class Fragoso attended MCMAP course to complete belts up to Brown Belt. On August 1 2020 she was promoted to Lance Corporal, and on August 1 2021 she was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

From February 2022 to June 2022, Corporal Fragoso was deployed to Norway and Poland. During this time she worked and maintained accountability of her unit and assisted with all administrative matters.

In December 2022, Corporal Fragoso received orders to Site Support (Bristol, PA) 3rd Battalion 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division for Inspector-Instructor Duty with Headquarters Battery. She currently serves as the Personnel Clerk. May 1, 2024 she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Sergeant Fragoso's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Angela Dunston is a decorated Noncommissioned Officer in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, SFC Dunston graduated from Cheltenham High School before briefly attending Morgan State University. Searching for a meaningful career, she enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 2008 as a Human Resources Specialist.

After completing Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, SFC Dunston was assigned to the historic 103rd Engineer Battalion where she played an active role apart of the CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package (CERF-P), serving on the Search and Extraction Team, where her expertise was vital in handling emergency response operations on the East Coast. In 2011, she deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 131st Transportation Company, tasked with route security to ensure the safe movement of personnel and supplies in RC East. Her operational excellence led her to join the 213th Personnel Group, deploying once again in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, leading a team in flight line operations in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania. She deployed again in 2019 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Spartan Shield) to the Middle East for Military Base Operations.

SFC Dunston's leadership extended beyond deployments. She served with the 252nd Quartermaster Company, leading her team through several critical state activations and ensuring mission completion serving as Licensing Instructor, Squad Leader and Heavy Vehicle Trainer. From disaster relief efforts to homeland security tasks, responding to natural disasters, providing logistical support during state emergencies, or managing complex supply chain operations, SFC Dunston consistently ensured her team's readiness and operational success.

SFC Dunston's career transitioned into recruiting when she took on the role of recruiter for the West Chester University ROTC program. Her dedication to mentoring future leaders and Soldiers has since become a hallmark of her service. Today, as one of the top recruiters in Pennsylvania, SFC Dunston draws on her own military experiences to help young men and women realize their potential within the National Guard. Her ability to inspire others, combined with her professionalism and leadership, has earned her widespread respect throughout the recruiting community.

In addition to her role as a recruiter, SFC Dunston serves as an Equal Opportunity Representative, ensuring that every Soldier is treated with fairness and respect. She advocates for equal opportunities and encourages others to uphold the same values of integrity, inclusion, and respect. SFC Dunston holds a Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations from Penn State University. Her ultimate goal is to attend Law School and practice employment law to represent the unrepresented. Her numerous awards and decorations—include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal, PA National Guard Gen. Thomas J. Stewart Award, and PA National Guard Thomas R. White Award—a testament to her exemplary service and steadfast dedication to both the mission and her Soldiers.

Technical Sergeant Jeremiah D. Johnson currently serves as an Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman for the 512th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. TSgt Johnson is responsible for maintaining, inspecting, evaluating, and repairing Dover's assigned C- 5M Super Galaxy aircraft, as well as training and mentoring his aerospace propulsion subordinates. His efforts support the active-duty component through Total Force Integration, as well as global mission support directives from Air Mobility Command and Air Force Reserve Command.

TSgt Johnson enlisted in the Air Force in 2011. After completing Basic Military Training and technical training, he was assigned to the 512th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. As an Aerospace Propulsion Specialist, Sergeant Johnson has provided airpower and training globally while completing off-station annual tours. TSgt Johnson also served at the Bedrock Innovation Lab as an Intern, assisting with innovative solutions for complex military problems. Other additional duties held throughout TSgt Johnson's career include Motorcycle Safety Rep, Unit Career Advisor, Awards and Decorations Manager, and Wing Inspection Team member.