Matthew Wright

Matthew Wright Army Interview

Bennett Rudge: [00:00:00] My name is Bennett Rudge, and I'm working on Brady Kondek's Eagle Project. What's your name?

Matthew Wright: [00:00:05] Matthew Wright.

Bennett Rudge: [00:00:08] What is or was your role in the military; rank/responsibility?

Matthew Wright: [00:00:13] So I was a infantryman for 20 years. I was responsible for upwards of 64 people. My job was to pretty much close with and destroy the enemies of the United States.

Bennett Rudge: [00:00:32] When and why did you join the military?

Matthew Wright: [00:00:35] So I joined the military in July 2002. It was actually 21 years ago today, shortly after September 11th, I decided to join. My dad was in the military and he was actually in Kuwait when that happened. So I said there's no probably better honor than I could do is to serve my country at a time when we were attacked.

Bennett Rudge: [00:01:07] When and why did you join, oh wait I said that, how are you associated with Cumberland County?

Matthew Wright: [00:01:13] I'm sorry. Say that again.

Bennett Rudge: [00:01:15] How are you associated with Cumberland County?

Matthew Wright: [00:01:18] So I've done some stuff at the War College, actually processed through Carlisle and I did some heritage stuff. There was infantry back about five, four, four or five years ago. We set up a booth and talked about infantry through the ages. So.

Bennett Rudge: [00:01:47] Have you served in any wars or conflicts?

Matthew Wright: [00:01:50] I have. I went to Iraq twice. 2004 to 2005 and 2007 and eight. And then I was in Afghanistan in 2003, then 2011 and 12.

Bennett Rudge: [00:02:08] What are some of your favorite memories?

Matthew Wright: [00:02:12] Umm, I would have to say probably the people. You get a bunch of like-minded individuals that come together. You face adversity. You go through hard times. And the bonds that you share with another human is just almost like almost like they're your brother or sister, you know?

Bennett Rudge: [00:02:36] What is one piece of advice you would want to give to the younger generations?

Matthew Wright: [00:02:43] Hmm. I would say do something selfless, do something for someone else without having to seek benefit for yourself. I think that's what the Army taught me. And, you know, you see a lot of people, shouldn't say a lot, you see some people that do things, it's only for themselves. So have some selflessness and humility. You don't always have to seek credit for everything you do.

Bennett Rudge: [00:03:18] Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Matthew Wright: [00:03:23] No, just, I was grateful for my 20 years in the Army. I won't lie to you I was glad when it was over. I had a very busy, rough 20 years, so I just retired 1 August and now I'm going to enjoy the rest of my time of continuing to grow my beard, and my wife would let me longer hair, but she won't. So.

Bennett Rudge: [00:03:46] Thank you for your time.