Matthew McCaffery

Name: Matthew McCaffery
City/State: Conshohocken, PA
Branch of Service: US Marine Corps
Years of Service: 1999-2004
Last Rank Held: E4
Military Occupation: Infantry

Infantry Marines are ground forces trained to locate and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver or repel their assault by fire and close combat. The Marine Corps is an expeditionary force with the mission to fight and win battles for our Nation. Because the threats the United States faces are shifting and uncertain, the Marine Corps is strategically structured and organized to effectively fight in the air, on land and at sea. The infantry is the heart of this lethal fighting force. Of the hundreds of Military Occupational Specialties the infantry is the largest occupational field. All other occupational fields are structured to support the infantry with every Marine contributing to the fight.

Tell us a little about you outside of the military:

Outside of my military service, I’ve built a career as a risk management executive, where I focus on identifying and mitigating potential challenges for businesses and organizations. Public service has also been an important part of my life, I previously served as Vice-Mayor of New Port Richey, Florida, and I’ve remained engaged in civic leadership ever since. I currently serve as Chairman of the Upper Merion Historical Commission, working to preserve and promote local history, and previously served on the Radnor Township Board of Health, where I helped guide policies that supported the community well-being.

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry?

Since leaving the Marine Corps, I’ve been deeply committed to supporting my fellow veterans at the local level, whether through community service, advocacy, or leadership roles. However, I’ve always felt that I could do more, especially when it comes to addressing the broader challenges that impact veterans nationwide. Joining the IAVA Cavalry gives me the opportunity to take that passion to the next level, helping to influence the policies and initiatives that matter most to those who have served. I’m eager to contribute my experience and voice to ensure veterans receive the support, recognition, and resources they deserve.

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

My experience in the Marine Corps Infantry shaped me in ways that continue to guide me every day. It instilled in me a deep sense of self-discipline, the importance of continuous learning, and the understanding that no success is achieved alone, and teamwork is everything. The Marine Corps also reinforced the value of integrity and doing what is right, even when it isn’t unpopular…and lastly, that leadership isn’t about personal ego; it’s about putting the mission and the team first. These principles have influenced how I approach challenges in my career, my public service, and my commitment to supporting my fellow veterans.

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

I believe that preserving democracy is the most pressing issue today. The democratic values that define the United States and the free world are under constant attack by our adversaries, and at the same time, partisan politics here at home have created deep divisions, leaving both civilians and veterans feeling that something needs to change. As a veteran, I swore an oath to defend the Constitution, and I see protecting and strengthening our democracy as a continuation of that commitment. One keyway to do that is by ensuring future generations understand how our government works. Teaching civics in schools is critical to developing informed, engaged citizens who can participate meaningfully in our democracy. If we want to preserve what so many have fought to defend, we must invest in civic education and work to restore trust in our institutions.

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

As a girl dad, I have a deep personal connection to IAVA’s focus on reproductive care. If my daughter ever chooses to follow in my footsteps and serve, I want to ensure that she – and all women in uniform – have access to the highest level of care and the best options available for their health. Women play an essential role in today’s military, and they deserve comprehensive healthcare that meets their unique needs. Lastly, supporting reproductive care isn’t just about medical access, it’s about readiness, retention, and ensuring that those who serve are given the respect and resources they deserve.