Matthew Staton
"So what if you have a disability, be known for your abilities." - Army Captain, Matthew Staton
Army Captain Matthew Staton's life changed on January 29, 2004, while serving with the 1-8 Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division in Iraq. Gunshot wounds significantly injured his leg and left hip, and multiple IED exposures resulted in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Staton continued serving on active duty for three years before his medical retirement from the military.
The VMI graduate found himself questioning his future after his injury. Growing up immersed in sports and outdoor activities, Staton wondered what possibilities remained ahead of him.
In 2010, while helping fellow veterans, Staton realized he needed to focus on his own recovery. He returned to what had always grounded him—outdoor activities. Through Move United, Staton discovered adaptive sports including golf, skiing, and scuba diving. "It gave me that drive again," he said.
At a Move United event, Staton connected with Wintergreen Adaptive Sports. Despite growing up just 45 minutes from the ski resort, he had never skied there before. This connection sparked a new chapter. In 2011, Staton began working at Wintergreen Adaptive Sports as a PSIA Level 1 Instructor, focusing on programs for children with Cerebral Palsy and Autism.
Staton also became a certified open water scuba instructor and earned his Master Diver certification with Move United's support. These two sports—skiing and scuba—became his passion because they allow him to teach and give back to others.
As a Move United Warfighters Ambassador, Staton continues expanding possibilities for others while serving as a Staff Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, working on issues affecting wounded, ill, and injured soldiers from injury through their transition to the VA.
Staton transforms lives through adaptive sports, showing his peers that capabilities far outweigh any limitations. His journey demonstrates how sports break barriers and create new pathways forward.
Sports
- Adaptive Skiing,
- Scuba Diving/Adaptive Scuba,
- Golf/Adaptive Golf,
- Scuba
City
- Fredericksburg
