About

Matthew Shea was born in 1974 in Spokane, Washington. His family had lived in Eastern Washington for four generations – his family ran one of the first stagecoaches in Washington. He lived in Spokane, attending both Pasadena and Ponderosa elementary schools with his parents and brother until the age of 10 when the family moved to Bellingham where he graduated from high school. Matt was raised in the atmosphere of gratitude to America as a country of freedom. His father instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism and personal obligation to his country.

Matthew went to Gonzaga University, from which he graduated in 1996. Apart from a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science, he received a J.D. degree from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2006, from which he graduated cum laude. He began his Military service as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Gonzaga University in 1996, and finished in the top 3 of his Officer Basic Course class. Later, he was recognized as the top rated Captain in his Battalion. Matthew Shea served in the United States Army with two combat tours overseas, including eight months in Bosnia as a platoon leader, and eleven months in Baghdad, Iraq, as a company commander.

Matthew was awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Infantry man’s Badge among many other awards and commendations in the military. In his civilian life he was awarded the National Security Eagle Award in 2015 “In recognition of exemplary courage and statesmanship in defense of America’s security and freedoms.” This was awarded specifically for his work countering and exposing terrorism in the United States of America.

Pastor Matt Shea

Vision

My vision is to see Jesus Christ glorified and His love spread to all people around the world. This is what Christians do.

Mission

My mission is to glorify Jesus Christ by preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and bringing people to a place of encounter with Him. This is what love looks like.

Objective

My objective is to protect the God-given unalienable rights to life, liberty, property, and ability to defend the same, of every human being regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic status. This brings true freedom.

Areas of the World I Focus On

United States, Israel, Mexico, Kenya, Uganda, Phillipines, Paraguay, Argentina

Military Awards

Bronze Star

From 15 March 2004 to 01 April 2005

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Meritorious Service Medal

June 2001 to 30 May 2004

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Army Commendation Medal

From 19 February 1998 to 6 March 1998

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Army Commendation Medal

From 13 October 1996 through 28 September 2000

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Army Achievement Medal

From 26 September 1997 to 26 October 1997

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Army Achievement Medal

From 19 February 1998 to 6 March 1998

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Army Achievement Medal

From 10 March 2000 to 26 May 2000

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Army Achievement Medal

HHC, First Battalion, 161st Infantry

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National Defense Service Ribbon

Service 2001-2005

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Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Service SFOR-7, Bosnia

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Iraq Campaign Medal

Service OIF II, Iraq 2004-2005

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Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Mobilization to Ft. Hunter Liggett, 2003

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Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ “M” Device

Mobilization to OIF II, 2004-2005

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NATO Medal

24 February 2000 to 17 September 2000

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WAANG Emergency Service Ribbon

October 21, 2001 (Firestorm 2001)

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Combat Infantryman’s Badge

Operation Iraqi Freedom II

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Order of the Spur

SFOR-7, Bosnia

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Order of St. Maurice

January 26, 2005

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Regimental Affiliation 8th Cavalry

March 10, 1998

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