Thomas Matteo

Thomas Matteo enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1963 and served for the next seven years.

He did two tours in Vietnam where he was wounded six times.

Along with his Purple Heart with five stars, SSgt Matteo was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Bronze Star with “V” device, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnamese Service Medal with 4 stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and more.

Married to his wife, Angela, Thomas is the proud father of seven children. After completing his military service, Thomas Matteo continued to serve his nation and community as a member of law enforcement, rising through the ranks and eventually becoming Chief of Police for two Florida municipalities. In January 1975, as a Police Officer, Matteo was awarded the Medal of Valor in arresting two suspects in a gunfight in Miami, Florida. The Medal of Valor is the highest award you can receive as a Police Officer for Heroism.