Matthew Jon Martinson

Name: Matthew Jon Martinson
City/State: Richmond Hill, GA
Branch of Service: US Army
Years of Service: 1993-2016
Last Rank Held: Major/O-4
Military Occupation: Infantry Officer

Tell us a little about you outside of the military:

I work in the private sector for a privately owned software company where I work primarily in project and program management. I enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, and refereeing soccer.

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry?

I want to be able to give back to my fellow GWOT veteran community and have the time and space to do so.

How did your military experience shape you to be the person you are today? 

It helped me build upon my love of country that my grandparents and parents instilled within me, and gave me the confidence to be the man I am today. I would absolutely serve again, if called upon.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you believe is the most pressing? Why?

Repeal AUMFs because we have given an open-ended authorization which means less and less oversight before sending service members into harm’s way.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you have the strongest personal connection to? Why? 

Alternative Therapies because mental health and suicide prevention is something that I am passionate about, and which I have had my own struggles, and successes, with.