Springbrook High School is proud to celebrate Mr. Matt Pflieger for being recognized during the Military Bowl for his service and the impact he continues to make as an educator. Mr. Pflieger is a U.S. Navy veteran and a dedicated member of our school community, and his recognition is a reminder that leadership and service can take many forms.

Inspired to serve

Mr. Pflieger’s interest in the military began early. He grew up in Montgomery County and visited the Naval Academy as a kid, and he remembers realizing in that moment that he wanted to serve.

That commitment became even stronger when 9/11 happened during his senior year of high school. He described it as his generation’s Pearl Harbor, and he knew then that he was going to join the military.

Navy service and life changing experiences

After college, Mr. Pflieger joined the Navy and was first assigned to the USS Normandy in Norfolk, Virginia. He completed a six month deployment alongside other NATO countries and traveled to locations across the world, including Iceland, South Africa, France, Madagascar, Spain, Greece, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Norway, Turkey, Crete, and more. One of his most memorable stops was Iceland during the summer, when the days were so long that there were about 20 hours of sunlight.

After returning from his first deployment, Mr. Pflieger was selected for Officer Candidate School to become an officer. Following OCS, he was assigned to the USS Lake Champlain. There, he completed a seven month deployment to the Persian Gulf, where the mission included protecting Iraqi oil fields. He also had the chance to travel through the Suez Canal, an experience few people ever get to see firsthand.

During that deployment, his ship encountered more than 30 Somali migrants who were adrift at sea while trying to escape to Yemen. The crew brought them onboard and saved their lives.

Mr. Pflieger also visited Oman, Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor was especially meaningful to him. He shared that when a ship enters the port, it passes the sunken battleships from the Japanese attack, and everyone renders honors to those who lost their lives.

Honors and recognition

During his service, Mr. Pflieger earned a Navy Commendation Medal and a Navy Achievement Medal, along with campaign citations connected to the War on Terrorism and NATO. He also earned a “shellback” citation, which is awarded to sailors who travel above the Arctic Circle.

A proud moment at the Military Bowl

Mr. Pflieger’s recognition at the Military Bowl was a special moment for our school community and a reminder that our teachers bring powerful real life experiences into the classroom. It was also a memorable day that included meeting Governor Wes Moore, making the recognition even more meaningful.

Springbrook is grateful for Mr. Pflieger’s service to our country and his continued service to students every day. Congratulations, Mr. Pflieger. We see you, we appreciate you, and we are proud of you.