April Enlisted Corps Spotlight

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Julie Matyascik, public affairs specialist with the Command Staff Directorate, hails from Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and has 18 years and 11 months of service.

Q: How does your job support USSTRATCOM and our missions?

A: As the command webmaster and social media manager, I tell the USSTRATCOM story to audiences around the globe. To do this, I synchronize the external communication of our operations and activities through multiple information channels by blending the USSTRATCOM’s Commander’s Vision and Intent with the USSTRATCOM campaign plan to achieve our communication objectives.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work at USSTRATCOM?

A:  Representing Gen. John Hyten, commander of USSTRATCOM, to grow the dialog on 21st century strategic deterrence. It’s very rewarding to experience my leadership’s trust USSTRATCOM’s Public Affairs web team to use our creativity and talents with great latitude to be the digital face of USSTRATCOM.

Q: What has been a challenge for you regarding your work at USSTRATCOM and how have you overcome that challenge?

A: The challenge is, social media never stops. You don’t get away from social media even when you are off for the day or it’s the weekend.  To overcome that challenge, I recognize how important communicating for the command is toward meeting our goals and push through.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience in the military?

A: My first week on the USS Bataan (LHD 5) we provided assistance to nearly 300 migrants in distress at sea in the Mediterranean after receiving a report of a sinking small vessel. We provided food, water, medical attention and temporary shelter. The imagery and video we documented of the event was award winning and was shared around the world with local, national and international news outlets. 

Q: What is the one piece of information or advice about working at USSTRATCOM that you'd pass on to new members of the USSTRATCOM team?

A: You will find this command to be a real eye-opener. Coming to one of ten unified commands in the Department of Defense, you will gain a greater understanding of specific threats around the world, and learn about the means to respond to those threats. It will make you proud to be an American.