Matt is an Army Combat Veteran who served 8½ years active duty service until he was medically retired. In 2011, Matt had his last surgery, which enabled him to reestablish his recreational love for outdoor activities. Matt began diving in 2014 through the assistance of Patriots for Disabled Divers (PFDD) and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).  Matt has since earned his PADI IDC Staff Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Open Water Scuba Instructor, Emergency First Responder Instructor, Assistant Scuba Instructor rating, Dive Master rating, Master Scuba Diver rating, and is a certified Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) Instructor and dive buddy along with many other dive specialty credentials he can teach. The feeling of peace and wholeness just below the water, after being very seriously injured in combat while in Iraq, is very liberating to him. Matt volunteers with multiple organizations that specialize in providing sports opportunities for individuals with disabilities and carries that passion into his ability to be one of our great instructors. Matt is excited to be involved with Patriot Diving and is eager to continue to share his passion, the liberating freedom of the water from physical and mental injuries, and the love for the underwater world with others! Matt is currently working towards becoming a PADI Master Trainer rating.