In this edition ofStories of Honor, we remember Sergeant First Class Matthew Lewellen, a Green Beret whose life embodied the values of courage, leadership, and selfless service. Through the reflections of his father, Charles (Chuck) Lewellen, we uncover the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated himself to protecting others and inspiring those around him.
Born on January 15, 1989, in Kirksville, Missouri, Matt grew up with a passion for learning and leadership. Before joining the Army, he was a student at the University of Kansas. On February 10, 2010, Matt enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning a journey that would take him through some of the most challenging and elite training programs the military offers. He attended Basic Combat Training and the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by the rigorous Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
After graduating as a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant, Matt was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he served with distinction in both the 3rd and 4th Battalions. His military education included the Special Forces Sniper Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Course, and leadership training that underscored his commitment to excellence.
Over his career, Matt deployed three times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and other contingency operations. On November 4, 2016, while supporting operations in Jordan, Matt made the ultimate sacrifice. His loss is felt deeply by his family, teammates, and the many lives he touched through his service.
Through the eyes of his father, Charles Lewellen, we see not just a soldier but a leader and a beloved son whose legacy continues to inspire. Matt’s story is one of resilience, camaraderie, and an unwavering dedication to serving others. Charles and Cindy Lewellen’s reflections offer a heartfelt look at the man behind the uniform, the impact of his life, and the communities that help keep his memory alive.
Charles begins by sharing the impact of the Memorial Valor Foundation, one of the organizations that has become like family to the Lewellens. “Cindy and I have had the pleasure of attending the Memorial Valor Foundation’s event both as our son SFC Matthew Charles Lewellen was being honored and as his teammates were being honored. Memorial Valor Foundation has had a huge impact on our family. I have enjoyed shooting a few stages, watching several stages being shot, and we have watched shoot-offs between the competitors. More importantly, the staff and competitors honored the fallen, and to us, remembering our loved ones is the most important.” The Memorial Valor Foundation honors and remembers fallen Special Operators by providing steadfast support to their Gold Star families. Particularly through their annual 3-Gun competition. For the Lewellens, these events are more than competitions; they are moments of connection and shared purpose. They remind Gold Star families that their sacrifices are not forgotten and provide a space where grief and pride coexist.
Charles shares a deeply personal memory of how the Foundation’s kindness extended beyond the battlefield to his granddaughter. “We will never forget when Eric asked me if they could do something for my granddaughter’s birthday. Of course, I said yes. He told me they would give Skylar a gift at her birthday party in person. What a gift it was—they sent our family to Disney World. We made so many memories there, and a 5-year-old had a blast taking pictures with all the princesses. We had special t-shirts made both honoring our son and thanking Memorial Valor Foundation.” This gesture of generosity demonstrates how the Foundation’s commitment to honoring the fallen extends to supporting their families, creating cherished memories that bring joy amidst grief.
Charles reflects on Matt’s character and the values he embodied, sharing a story from one of Matt’s teammates that captures his humor and leadership. “I still cherish my memory of that night, and I often think about how Matt helped foster camaraderie and humor even in the direst of times. That day, I saw Matt Lewellen motivate a demoralized company of Afghan soldiers to carry their dead and wounded to continue to move and fight. For the Afghan soldiers, he represented a charismatic leader who inspired the will to fight in their time of need. His personality, charm, and charisma will forever be etched in our memories. I will not dwell on how he passed, instead, I’ll remember how Matt Lewellen lived. Here’s to the nights we’ll never remember with the friend we’ll never forget.” Matt’s ability to uplift others, even in the face of tragedy, underscores the profound impact of his leadership. His humor and resolve brought light to the darkest moments, leaving an enduring legacy of strength.
Reflecting on their journey as Gold Star parents, Charles and Cindy share the enduring challenges of grief and the importance of remembering their son. “For us, grief will be a part of us for the rest of our lives. As I sit here today typing (4 November), we have just returned from the cemetery. Matt was killed on 4 November 2016. I have had texts from Memorial Valor Foundation board members. The thing is, I don’t just get them on the day he was KIA; they reach out several times a year, and that means a lot. I believe one of the most difficult parts of this journey is that people forget your loved one.” For the Lewellens, the consistent support of the Memorial Valor Foundation reminds them that Matt’s sacrifice will never be forgotten, offering comfort and strength on their journey.
Matt Lewellen’s life is a testament to the power of leadership, patriotism, and resilience. Through the memories shared by his father, Charles Lewellen, we see a man whose legacy continues to inspire. Matt’s humor and camaraderie lifted spirits, even in the most challenging moments, and his unwavering dedication to his team and mission exemplified the best of humanity.
The Lewellens’ journey as Gold Star parents highlights the enduring impact of remembrance and community. Organizations like the Memorial Valor Foundation provide not only support but also a way to honor those who have given their all. As Charles reflects, “When you surround yourself with good people, you can’t help but be encouraged and want to do more for others.”
Through his actions and the reflections of those who knew him, Matt Lewellen’s story reminds us of the qualities that define true heroism and humanity. It is a legacy of courage, compassion, and strength—a legacy that continues to live on through his family and the lives he touched.
After stepping away from the Navy in 1985 to pursue civilian life, Don soon realized that the challenges, camaraderie, and sense of purpose within the SEAL Teams were irreplaceable. He returned to the Naval Special Warfare Community in 1988, sharpening his skills at the Defense Language Institute for Spanish before joining SEAL Team FOUR. His deployments took him across the globe, including missions in the Persian Gulf and Panama, where he served with Naval Special Warfare Unit EIGHT.
Today we want to share the story of our Founder and Chief Product Officer, Christian Meyers. He’s our Director of Media’s brother, close friend of our CEO and our Director of Communications, and an inspiration to everyone at Terra Arma.
He’s one of those people you can talk to for hours and you always learn something new in his presence. He’s also incredibly humble, so we’re honored to share his story to help you understand more about Terra Arma and our mission.