LCpl Duncan “Matty” Mathis

Todd Mission, TX

Duncan “Matty” Mathis joined the Marines as an Infantryman to serve a greater purpose. He learned that he enjoyed the critical thinking aspect of the role. 

On May 19, 2013, during his first deployment, Lance Corporal Mathis was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, when he fell 83 feet through a non-explosive booby trap into a well during a raid in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. 

Matty sustained several injuries from the fall, including multiple broken bones throughout his body and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). After one year of surgeries and rehabilitation, he decided to have doctors amputate his left leg below the knee. 

Having had an active lifestyle growing up, Matty found recovery at Walter Reed Medical Center difficult initially. After seeing many other injured Veterans overcome the obstacles around him, he was inspired to do the same. 

Medically retired, Matty has developed a passion for self-defense and started a business in 2022 teaching others how to protect themselves and hopes to grow this venture in the future. More than anything, Matty wants a safe space for his wife Veronica and him to raise their daughter Sara and expand their family. This is difficult to do in their current environment because it is not accessible for Matty. Wearing his prosthetic all day often becomes painful, so he prefers to use his wheelchair at home. However, the narrow doorways and hallways make navigating hard – especially with his daughter. It is heartbreaking for Veronica to watch her husband struggle. “He can’t even enjoy his own home,” she says. 

Receiving a specially adapted custom home with an open floor plan and accessible appliances will enable Matty to care for his daughter without limitations and recover comfortably. Additionally, it will give Matty the space to grow his business. 

Originally from North Carolina, Matty is choosing to build his home in Texas to be close to family and because they find it to be a Veteran-friendly state. 

Matty is grateful that HFOT’s donors appreciate the service and sacrifices of severely injured Veterans, and take action to support their recovery. “It’s fantastic to be with an organization that follows through on their promises and genuinely has the Veterans’ and their families’ best interest in mind.” 

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