Matthew Dilcher, U.S. Army (Retired)

Matthew Dilcher honorably served the nation for over 21 years, enlisting in the United States Army in February 1995 and retiring in June 2016. Throughout his distinguished military career, he served exclusively as a Cavalry Scout, demonstrating exceptional leadership in both combat environments and strategic overseas assignments. His operational deployments include a tour in Macedonia, alongside assignments in South Korea and Germany. A veteran of multiple campaigns, First Sergeant Dilcher deployed to Iraq four times, completing a total of 48 months of combat operations.

For his extraordinary merit and elite leadership, First Sergeant Dilcher was awarded three Bronze Star Medals. His unwavering commitment to professionalism and the welfare of his Soldiers earned him induction into the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. Furthermore, his lifelong dedication to the Armor and Cavalry branch was formally recognized with the Order of Saint George, the premier honor for the community. Committed to lifelong learning, he also earned his bachelor's degree in cybersecurity technology and business management studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Following his retirement from active duty, First Sergeant Dilcher transitioned his leadership expertise into secondary education. He currently serves as the Junior ROTC instructor at Pueblo West High School in Pueblo West, Colorado, where he mentors and develops high school cadets in civic responsibility, leadership, and personal discipline. Personally, he is happily married to his wife, Macie, and is the proud father of three daughters ranging in age from 10 to 28. Outside of his professional life, he is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys snowboarding, hunting, and fishing, and he also spends his free time building complex Lego projects with his youngest daughter.