Matt Tardio

SFC (Ret) Matt Tardio grew up in Banks, Oregon graduating from Banks High School in 2002. In May of 2003 he enlisted in the United States Army. He attended Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia and graduated as an Infantryman. Later in his career Matt graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course as a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant (18C) and served as a Special Forces Sniper and as an Assault Cell Leader. Matt openly speaks about his struggles with PTSD to help fellow veterans and currently the Co-Host of the Speak The Truth Podcast, and works as an independent security consultant.

Throughout his career Matt distinguished himself in several positions. In the Infantry Matt served in every position from Rifleman to Platoon Sergeant. Matt began his career in the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conducting funerals in Arlington National Cemetery before transferring to the 3rd Infantry Division. While at the 3rd Infantry Division Matt attended and graduated the United States Army Ranger School. After graduation, Matt stood up and served as the Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of the first Pre-Ranger Course for the 3rd Infantry Division. While there, Matt also served as a Rifle Squad Leader deploying to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon return Matt served as a Sniper Section Leader deploying to Afghanistan providing direct support to US Special Operations Units.

Matt is a veteran of the Global War on Terror fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and served in combat operations in East Africa and has deployed to Ukraine culminating in 48 months of combat experience. In Ukraine, Matt and his team were the first Special Forces troops on the ground following the invasion of Crimea by Russia. While in Ukraine Matt helped advise the US Deputy Ambassador to Ukraine as well as provided support to the Ukrainian Special Forces. In 2017 Matt deployed to Afghanistan to combat the Islamic State Khorason Province (ISIS-K). Matt lead several combat operations culminating in the liberation of several Afghan villages and the destruction of over 135 ISIS-K fighters.

Matt’s awards and decorations include two Bronze Star Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, Army Superior Unit Award, five Army Good Conduct Medals, Nation Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Meal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Nato Medal (2nd Award), Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.