SGT Matthew “Matt” Watters

Rincon, GEORGIA

Mission Accomplished on February 22, 2025

Inspired to give back to his country, Matthew Watters joined the military in 1997 after graduating high school. In 2002, he went on his first tour to Afghanistan and deployed again in 2003 to Iraq with the 1st Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

On June 11, 2003, Sergeant Watters, a team leader, was on a raid on a terrorist training camp in Western Iraq when he was struck in the leg by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG). He lost his left leg below the knee and sustained severe damage to his right leg and left arm.

Matthew was treated at a combat support hospital in Iraq before transferring to Landstuhl, Germany, where he was reunited with his wife, Lindsey. After a week, Matthew returned stateside to Walter Reed Medical Center, where he endured numerous surgeries and physical therapy.

After medically retiring from the military, Matthew worked as an officer with the Tacoma Police Department for over 17 years before moving to Georgia with his wife, Lindsey, and their two children. In their former non-adapted house, Matthew was unable use his wheelchair because the hallways were too narrow.

In their specially adapted custom HFOT home, Matthew can rest and recover in his wheelchair. The financial stability of a donated home allows him to focus on his career with Daniel Defense, an arms manufacturer, and gives him the freedom to spend more time with his children and grandchildren.

Matthew and his family chose to build their home in Georgia to be close to family and friends.

Matthew wants HFOT’s donors and supporters to know the freedom he has regained in his new home enables him to give back to others. “This opportunity will be a huge blessing to my family—and one I can use to better myself and my community. I believe in paying it forward, and I will use my time to better my community through teaching, volunteering, and setting an example for others to follow.”

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