Matthew Markel served active-duty Army at Fort Lewis and Deployed with 5th BDE 2nd ID in 2009. He currently serves in the Army Reserve as a Drill Sergeant. Matthew began as a volunteer for Soldiers Freedom Outdoors in 2019. He has since helped on several projects to include the construction of the tack room in the barn where the equine program now takes place.
During Matthew’s time on active-duty and his deployment he saw firsthand what combat does to Veterans and the impact is has on them and their families. Matthew continued after his deployment to find ways to talk to and help fellow Veterans find help and someone or someplace to find comfort and peace from War.
As a Drill Sergeant and Noncommissioned Officer of the US Army, Matthew continues to mentor Soldiers. He spends time searching for answers and recourses for those Soldiers who need additional help. He is dedicated to the Professionalism and Discipline of the Army.
Matthew’s time at Soldiers Freedom Outdoors is spent making repairs to fences, cleaning roofs, cutting trees, working with horses, setting up for events and looking for new ways to improve Soldiers Freedom Outdoors.
“The one thing I really love about SFO is the peace and time outside. I can come there to either relax with a horse, sit on the dock and fish or walk around the many trails. Whether I am fixing a fence or talking with Friends over dinner I have always felt welcomed and at home at Soldiers Freedom Outdoors. Dan has been a great Friend and Brother to me, especially when just needing someone who talk to or ride around on the ATV getting horse and avoiding getting run over by cows putting them into the trailers.”
“I truly feel that SFO is a home when I can call no other Place Home!”
Biography
Matthew began as a volunteer for Soldiers Freedom Outdoors in 2019.