Name:  Matthew Arevian

Where were you born and raised?
Colorado

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
My wife and I made an abrupt decision to change the course of our life, retire from the military much earlier than we anticipated, and focus on our children. That led to cascading effects neither one of us anticipated and laid bare the challenges of transition.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” (Oscar Wilde).

Your Personal Why?
Life is short: Learn as much as possible, find a way to make the world better (even if it is around the corner from your house), and help anyone who asks.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
The sacrifice our nation’s men and women in uniform and their families make is real. It is a privilege to be a part of an organization that helps these service members articulate their why and assist them as they work to find a purposeful life outside of the military.

Military Connection or why do you respect Special Operators?
I spent most of my adult life in the U.S. Army. I have been blessed to spend much of that time in the Special Operations community, and have witnessed first-hand the staunch dedication members of this community display to the country.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
Fierce Empathy. Everyone is fighting a hard battle known only to them. Empathy props open the door for those that seek help.

Area/Industry of expertise:
International relationship development, creative problem solving, strategic leadership

Contact Matthew directly at matthew@honor.org.