Matt served for 22 years, half of those in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). Matt’s first combat deployment was in January 2002 to Afghanistan and by the time he retired in 2010 he had completed 7 combat deployments to Afghanistan & Iraq. Matt flew countless combat missions supporting US Army Rangers, Green Berets, Navy SEALS, and other special operation units.
Like many other combat veterans, Matt developed PTSD from some of these experiences and was not diagnosed until after his retirement in 2010. For the first few years it seemed like Matt was just surviving as he struggled to cope with the different emotions, fear and the anxiety he started to experience. Slowly after beginning to seek help from professionals, friends, family and mentors he began to learn little by little how to thrive more and survive less.
Since retiring Matt, and his wife Stacie has served in ministry as missionaries along with their son Nick for 2 years overseas. After returning Matt assumed a role of mobilizing, training, coaching and recruiting others into missions. Still living in Savannah, Georgia Matt continues in this role, along with coaching others who are seeking to learn how to thrive more in various areas of their personal and professional lives. Matt also shares his story around the United States at retreats, conferences and churches.