Matthew Pritchard

Name: Matthew Pritchard
City/State: CLIFTON, VA
Branch of Service: Army
Years of Service: 3
Last Rank Held: E4
Military Occupation: 19D B4 Cavalry Scout / Sniper
Current Occupation: Senior Risk Officer – Finance
X: TBD
Instagram: TBD
Facebook: TBD

Matthew outside of the military:

Before and after my Army service, I’ve always felt a pull toward the outdoors. Camping under a vast sky, hiking through untamed trails, fishing in serene waters, swimming, or just exploring new corners of the world—it’s where I feel most alive. One standout memory is a recent trip my wife and I took to Iceland; the volcanic energy and raw beauty reminded me how nature can heal and inspire – even after destructive events. I’m also passionate about travel—experiencing new cultures keeps my horizons wide open, a habit I’ve carried long past my military days.

When I’m not working or adventuring, I’m happiest on my small farm with my wife, our two loyal dogs, seven quirky chickens, and my trusty John Deere tractor. There’s a grounded peace in tending to the land and animals—a daily connection to the life I fought for and now get to live fully.

Matthew on joining the IAVA Cavalry:

I’ve witnessed the heavy toll of transitioning to civilian life, especially after combat—both in my own journey and in the lives of fellow veterans. I’ll never forget sitting with a buddy after we got back, seeing him wrestle silently with burdens no one could see, and feeling the limits of what I could do to help. That’s why IAVA’s mission and support network strike such a chord with me—they’re a lifeline for veterans who are still fighting battles long after the war ends.

We all swore an oath to never leave a fallen comrade, and that promise doesn’t fade when the uniform does. Joining the IAVA Cavalry is my way of keeping that vow alive—standing with my brothers and sisters, ensuring they’re never left to face their struggles alone. It’s about carrying forward the camaraderie and duty that defined our service.

How the military experience affected Matthew’s personal growth:

Before the Army, I was a high school dropout drifting without purpose or drive—just a kid with no clear path. The military changed that. It gave me structure, yes, but more than that, it ignited a determination and self-confidence I didn’t know I had. It taught me to tackle challenges head-on, lead with integrity, and push past what I thought were my limits—lessons that stuck with me.

The GI Bill opened doors I’d never have walked through otherwise, fueling my education through a B.S., M.S., and J.D. Those degrees aren’t just paper to me; they’re proof of how the Army’s discipline and resilience translated into civilian success. Now, as a federal employee, I keep serving my country, shaped by the same values that took root in uniform.

IAVA’s policy priorities that are the most pressing:

I see protecting and defending our democracy as the most pressing priority because it’s the bedrock for all else. Our nation’s at a tipping point—divided by infighting and gridlock in Congress, pulling us apart when we need unity most. In the Army, I served with people from every walk of life: different backgrounds, cultures, languages, beliefs. Yet we always got the job done because we saw our differences as strengths and united around a shared mission.

I worry we’ve lost that as Americans, caught up in what divides us instead of what binds us. Democracy isn’t just a system to protect—it’s a call to rediscover our common ground. If we can’t come together as a team, we’ll struggle to tackle any other challenge. Unity isn’t weakness; it’s our greatest asset.

IAVA’s policy priorities with the strongest personal connection for Matthew:

Improving mental health care and support for veterans—especially through veterans courts—hits me the hardest. I’ve lost too many friends, to addiction and the silent wounds of war. I’ve also seen the flip side: veterans courts stepping in with care, alternative therapies, and counseling, turning lives around. One buddy went from sleeping on the streets to running a thriving veteran-owned business—all because someone offered help instead of judgment.

Coming back from combat, I hid my struggles—memories, guilt, pain—turning to unhealthy escapes that gave me fleeting peace but led me toward self-destruction. War marks everyone differently, and even if others had it worse, it left me grappling in ways I didn’t expect. My family’s love pulled me through, but I know not every veteran has that anchor. If I’d felt safe seeking help through the VA, or had better options, I might’ve avoided that lonely spiral.
We ask so much of those who serve—facing war’s chaos and carrying it home. We owe them more: real support, stigma-free care, and a system that honors their strength, even when they’re hurting. A warrior’s tears don’t diminish their courage—they prove it.