BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Matthew Laposa is a procurement specialist with Defense Logistics Agency Document Services at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He recently received a challenge coin from an Army Ranger battalion he assisted with a project.
Laposa said he helped the battalion acquire images for its project through his connections with museum directors after years of collaborating with them on other endeavors. The Ranger project, Laposa said, included production of large canvas prints, reflective aluminum pieces, and 350 Expert Infantry Badge/Expert Soldier Badge books.
Before joining DLA in 2010, Laposa grew his printing career in St. Louis, completing several apprenticeships and learning the trade after leaving the Army in the early 1990s.
He had the chance to revisit his Army roots when he met with the Rangers of the 2-10th Infantry Regiment. During their first meeting, he greeted Capt. Zeke Dodd, the unit’s executive officer, with a hearty “How are you, Ranger!” and told him he had served as a Ranger in the 1980s, including a combat jump into Grenada.
He explained to the soldiers that in October 1983, while serving with 1st Battalion, 75th Infantry Regiment, the unit parachuted into Grenada as part of Operation Urgent Fury, a U.S. mission to protect American medical students and restore democratic government after a Marxist coup. Dodd said the exchange left a strong first impression.
Laposa’s Army career later included assignments in Korea, South America and Panama before the 1989 invasion.
Dodd said Laposa brought that same Ranger mindset to help finalize the unit’s project.
“As with most projects, the vision isn’t quite complete when you start,” he said.
Laposa guided the team through options, showed examples from other units and provided hands-on support that reassured the Rangers throughout the process.
The project exceeded expectations in quality and in how it boosted morale, Dodd said, despite part of the project arriving incomplete.
“Without hesitation, Mr. Laposa contacted the company and informed them of the mistake, and had it corrected before notifying me,” Dodd said. “Knowing that he took this care and attention in just one unit’s project, I knew the installation was well served with Mr. Laposa.”
The Rangers presented Laposa with a challenge coin. The gesture recognized not only the support he is providing today but also marked a bond between today’s Rangers and a veteran Ranger who served before most of them were born.
“I loved being in the infantry battalion and taking care of people,” Laposa said. “That’s kind of what I’ve always done all my life.”