MINH MATTHEWS – THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
Veteran Minh Matthews: Paying it Forward
Whether through his 24-year military career or his current role in the community, Minh Matthews has dedicated his life to helping others. Driven by the need to “do better and be better,” Matthews’ career reflects a commitment to service in all its forms.
From providing crucial benefits guidance to federal employees to volunteering with the City of Happy Valley, his approach is clear: always move forward and make a meaningful impact. His true passion lies in helping people feel supported, safe, and empowered—an approach that continues to shape his efforts as he seeks to give back to the community in any way he can.
Impacted by 9/11
Matthews joined the Army in the wake of 9/11, wanting to serve his country in a meaningful way. “I joined on October 1, 2001,” Matthews said. “I saw 9/11 happen, and I literally walked into the recruiting office a couple days later.” Wanting to be part of something bigger than himself, he chose to become a combat medic. “My family came over from Vietnam in ’75, and I kind of looked at 9/11 and thought, ‘Why can’t I give the same opportunity that a soldier gave my family? Maybe I can give that to somebody else.’ So that was the breaking point,” he said. “Protect the United States, protect the citizens, and at the same time, maybe do the same thing someone else did for my family—give to somebody else.”
Over the years, he transitioned into roles focused on recruiting, retention, and human resources, guiding others through their own military journeys and helping them build fulfilling careers. That foundation of care and support became the hallmark of his service, no matter the role he stepped into.
His dedication carried over into his transition to federal work at the Department of Defense in Clackamas after shifting from active duty to the reserves. “In 2012, they got rid of the program I was in, so I went from active duty to reserve status. Then I did two years running Portland Engraving,” he said. “From there, my good friend offered me a position, and that’s when I started working as a federal employee for a while.”
A life of volunteerism
Matthews’ commitment to service extends into years of volunteering with the City of Happy Valley, where he continues to actively contribute. He is also involved in his church. “I volunteer in the kitchen at my church, and I’ve been doing that for a while,” he said. “I also help manage the kindergarten and first graders to get them prepared for lunch and mass.For him, serving his local community is a natural extension of his lifelong dedication to helping others and a way to continue paying it forward. “It’s so fun helping Happy Valley, and it’s such a privilege for them to allow a volunteer to even do the things that I do,” he said.
Reflecting on his military experience, Matthews is grateful for the many things it brought him. “You can’t define it by one specific thing, but definitely the career progression, the experience, and the support from the Army,” he said. “And the family, the camaraderie, the teamwork, the understanding to fight for the cause—whatever that cause may be.”
Matthews has been recognized with various awards for his service in both the Army, Federal Government President Community Service Award — Bronze in 2014 and the city of Happy Valley, including the Community Service Award in 2018.
He currently serves on active duty at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas as a Careers, Transition & Retention Non-Commission Officer. He also works at the Bonneville Power Administration as an IT Business Specialist, Contracting Officer Representative, and Budget Analyst.
Matthews’ life and career demonstrate an ongoing commitment to serving others, regardless of the role. “Making sure that I continue to do what makes me happy,” he said. “And what makes me happy is making people around me happy, supported, and safe.” Whether through his military service, community involvement, or personal interactions, he is dedicated to creating positive change and encouraging others to do the same.
“There’s always something to do. You can always better yourself, and the military saying is: always move forward no matter what,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you crawl, walk, or run—just remember to always move forward. Do better, be better.”
