Brehob, who retired from the military in 1996 after 22 years of service, received her commission through Officers Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio before enrolling in the aircraft maintenance officers course at Chanute AFB in Illinois.
She served in various positions as a maintenance officer: line officer, instructor, training manager, squadron commander and logistics manager. She was stationed in Illinois, New York, Arizona, California, Texas and Guam.
Her awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, and she proudly wears the Master Aircraft and Munition Maintenance Badge.
Brehob graduated from the University of Evansville in 1971 and her earned her master’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois in 1981.
Since retirement she has pursued her passion of riding long distances on horseback. A member of the American Endurance Ride Conference for 30 years, she has competed in 50- and 100-mile ride throughout the country, accumulating almost 14,000 miles. She is active in the Texas Endurance Ride Association, having been named its Volunteer of the Year in 2016, and helps to clear and maintain trails.
Brehob is married to James Matthess and has a stepdaughter and four stepchildren. Matthess, who is retired from the Air Force Civil Service, is also passionate about riding and horses. They pursue their sport full time together.
Brehob will be honored and will make a short speech when the Manual High School 50-Year Club hosts its annual celebration from 2-5 p.m. Friday at Primo Banquet & Conference Center, 2615 National Ave.