Maryland Army Guard warrant officer receives national award for leadership and service

By Maj. Benjamin Hughes

FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Maryland Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew W. Jones Jr., brigade human resources chief for the 58th Troop Command, received the Reserve Organization of America’s 2026 CW4 Michael J. Novosel Outstanding Warrant Officer of the Year Award during the organization’s Reserve Excellence Celebration at the National Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, October 16, 2026.

The award recognized Jones’ technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to developing future warrant officers while strengthening readiness across the Maryland Army National Guard. As a warrant officer recruiter, Jones helped bring 73 highly qualified warrant officers into the Maryland Army National Guard, increasing the state’s warrant officer strength from 65% to 92%, the highest level recorded in more than 20 years.

“I am really proud to see CW3 Jones highlighted because he serves in one of the Army's most demanding leadership development positions, but he regularly placed the needs of the organization above his own personal convenience,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric L. Hamm, command chief warrant officer for the Maryland Army National Guard, who attended the ceremony along with Jones’ children and girlfriend. “He is unquestionably among the finest warrant officers serving our nation today.”

Jones deployed in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011-12 and was activated for state missions during the 2015 Baltimore civil unrest and the COVID-19 response across Maryland. Recently, he led efforts to correct Pay Entry Base Date discrepancies affecting more than 1,100 Soldiers. The effort required reviewing personnel records, researching policy, and coordinating with state and national stakeholders to improve record accuracy and personnel readiness.

“Behind every mission is a Soldier, and behind every Soldier is a family depending on us to get things right,” Jones said. “My responsibility is to ensure our Soldiers are properly accounted for, supported, and taken care of so they can focus on accomplishing the mission.”

Jones continues to serve at the 70th Regional Training Institute’s Warrant Officer Candidate School. After completing the Train, Advise and Counsel Officer Course, he began training, mentoring and evaluating future warrant officers. Jones said he wants to share his knowledge with the next generation of leaders by helping prepare them to serve as technical experts and leaders across the Army.

“My favorite part of serving has always been the people,” Jones said. “Being able to mentor others, help Soldiers overcome challenges, and watch them grow both personally and professionally has been the most rewarding part of my service.”

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