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#EHSServes: Captain Matt Hurley '08 On His Military Career
This month, we’re highlighting alumni pursuing lives of service — to their country, their local community, and the global community. First up, we have Captain Matt Hurley ’08, who retired from the U.S. Army in August after nearly 13 years serving his country as an infantry and special operations officer. Read about Hurley’s decision to serve in his own words. #EHSServes
What prompted you to a life of service? Did Episcopal help lead you down that path?
I chose to serve my country for the same reason that many young men and women seek careers in medicine, law, music, or education: Public service was the family business, and I endeavored to model myself after those who had come before me. I quite simply believed that it was my duty — as an able-bodied, military-aged person graduating from EHS — to serve in uniform during a time of war.
During the town hall meeting at EHS before the 2008 presidential election, I listened intently as Sen. John McCain ’54 proclaimed, “I believe that serving a cause greater than your self-interest is obviously the noblest of all causes, and I think the noblest of all those is military service.” That moment reinforced my decision to embark upon my military career two months later, helped me stay the course during some of the most challenging crucibles I endured, and continues to influence my decision making today.
How has service changed your life?
Over my years of service, I missed many birthdays, weddings, funerals, and chances to support loved ones through trying times. However, I gained a greater appreciation for the ideals upon which America was established and a deeper understanding of the afflictions facing oppressed people around the world.
I have questioned many decisions in my life, but I have neither regretted nor revisited the decision I made at 17 years old to serve my country. I will always cherish the very small role I played in molding a more secure and prosperous America. As I move forward, opportunities to serve and positively impact the lives of others will always rank highest on my list of preferred pathways. There are endless ways to serve, and I look forward to identifying new areas to do so in the upcoming chapters of my life. I’ve learned that one need not join the military to become an impactful servant-leader.
What do you hope your legacy will be?
I hope to be known as a man who pursued the greatest challenges, put his family first, acted with positive intent, owned his mistakes, cared deeply about people, and gave his very best in service to others.
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What prompted you to a life of service? Did Episcopal help lead you down that path?
I chose to serve my country for the same reason that many young men and women seek careers in medicine, law, music, or education: Public service was the family business, and I endeavored to model myself after those who had come before me. I quite simply believed that it was my duty — as an able-bodied, military-aged person graduating from EHS — to serve in uniform during a time of war.
During the town hall meeting at EHS before the 2008 presidential election, I listened intently as Sen. John McCain ’54 proclaimed, “I believe that serving a cause greater than your self-interest is obviously the noblest of all causes, and I think the noblest of all those is military service.” That moment reinforced my decision to embark upon my military career two months later, helped me stay the course during some of the most challenging crucibles I endured, and continues to influence my decision making today.
How has service changed your life?
Over my years of service, I missed many birthdays, weddings, funerals, and chances to support loved ones through trying times. However, I gained a greater appreciation for the ideals upon which America was established and a deeper understanding of the afflictions facing oppressed people around the world.
I have questioned many decisions in my life, but I have neither regretted nor revisited the decision I made at 17 years old to serve my country. I will always cherish the very small role I played in molding a more secure and prosperous America. As I move forward, opportunities to serve and positively impact the lives of others will always rank highest on my list of preferred pathways. There are endless ways to serve, and I look forward to identifying new areas to do so in the upcoming chapters of my life. I’ve learned that one need not join the military to become an impactful servant-leader.
What do you hope your legacy will be?
I hope to be known as a man who pursued the greatest challenges, put his family first, acted with positive intent, owned his mistakes, cared deeply about people, and gave his very best in service to others.
