Listen to Matthew Purkey tell his story of service from Marine Corps to non-profit executive and how he continues his service with The Mission Continues.

Matthew Purkey was born and raised in Dayton, OH. After graduating high school, he bounced around from college to college, major to major until he finally partied his way out in 2006. After moving to southern Florida and getting into trouble he could not get himself out of, Matthew became a United States Marine.

While enlisted, and multiple deployments in support of Operation Enduing Freedom and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Matthew not only received his bachelor’s degree in human services, but also his master’s degree. Purkey was awarded multiple meritorious promotions,
accommodations, and national recognition for his volunteer efforts after “selling” his leave balance in an effort to assist a local shelter with every hour sold and being homeless in NC.

While deployed to Haiti post-earthquake 2010, he came into contact with the health and human service industry.

After an honorable discharge, Matthew went on to lead multiple United Ways, the world’s largest nonprofit in Ohio, Georgia, and most recently in Fort Wayne.

Through the years, Matthew has lost seven Marine Corps brothers to suicide. Eventually this inspired a career change. He is now Vice President of Operations at The Mission Continues, a national veteran service organization that connects veterans with service opportunities in over 50 under resourced communities across the continental United States and two in Puerto Rico and hosts the podcast "Boots on the Ground"

Thank you to our sponsor

Fraternal Order of Police