Meet Your Counselor - Matthew Mickey
Matthew Mickey, Veteran Career & Transition Counselor | US Army, Retired
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I'm Matthew Mickey, and my journey has been unconventional to say the least. I entered the foster care system at age 2-3 and eventually became homeless as a teenager, sometimes living in my car and working multiple jobs just to survive. After witnessing the 9/11 attacks, I joined the Army, which completely transformed my life. I worked my way up through the ranks and eventually earned a commission through the Green to Gold program, obtaining my master's degree at the University of South Carolina. After my military career, I transitioned to the financial sector where I've been applying the discipline and strategic thinking I developed in the Army.
2. What is your military background? And did you attend any additional college or educational courses?
I joined the Army on September 12, 2001, and served in multiple roles including infantry and as a drill sergeant. I rose through the ranks to become a Captain. Through the Army's Green to Gold program, I was able to complete my education, earning a master's degree from the University of South Carolina. My military experience taught me discipline, leadership, and how to thrive under pressure – skills that have served me well in both my military and civilian careers.
3. What inspired you to join Still Serving Veterans?
My personal journey from homelessness to military service to finance gave me a unique perspective on the challenges veterans face during transition. I've seen firsthand how many people "have so much value and so much purpose but have been beaten down by life," and I wanted to help them realize "they have the potential to accomplish anything they put their minds to." After experiencing how the Army changed my life, I'm passionate about helping other veterans find their path and build meaningful post-military careers, just as SSV enables me to do.
4. What does a typical day look like for you at SSV?
My days involve providing personalized career counseling to veterans and military family members. I help them translate their military experience into language civilian employers understand and connect them with job opportunities that match their skills and interests. I also assist with resume writing, interview preparation, and networking strategies. Additionally, I may help veterans access benefits they've earned or connect them with other community resources.
5. What do you find most rewarding about your work here?
The most rewarding aspect is seeing veterans discover their potential and rebuild their confidence after military service. As someone who's had to tear down my own "invisible walls," I love helping others do the same and watching them realize they "have the potential to accomplish anything they put their minds to." Having experienced homelessness myself, I understand the importance of stability and purpose. Helping veterans find meaningful careers and financial security brings me immense satisfaction, especially when I see them go from uncertainty to success.
6. In your experience, what's the biggest challenge veterans face when transitioning to civilian life?
In my experience, the biggest challenge is translating military experience into something civilian employers understand and value. The transition can be "scary," as many veterans have known only the "security" of military life. I've seen how challenging it can be to navigate the civilian job market after years in a structured military environment. Many veterans also struggle with identity issues, wondering who they are without their uniform and rank. Financial literacy is another critical area where many veterans need support during transition.
7. What advice would you give a veteran who's hesitant to seek support?
I would say that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As someone who initially joined the military partly as "a cry for help" because "I couldn't fathom moving on alone," I understand the hesitation to ask for assistance. But I also know that the right support can change everything. The skills that made you successful in the military—adaptability, determination, teamwork—are exactly what will help you succeed in civilian life too, especially when combined with the resources and guidance that organizations like SSV provide. Don't try to navigate this transition alone when there are people ready to help.
8. What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I'm passionate about financial markets and trading. I enjoy teaching others about investing and financial literacy. I'm also working on creating a mini Ironman competition for those with special needs. I value physical fitness and continue many of the disciplines I developed in the military. In my downtime, I enjoy connecting with fellow veterans and contributing to community initiatives that support those in need, as I've been there myself and understand the importance of community support.
9. Finally, what does "Still Serving Veterans" mean to you?
To me, "Still Serving Veterans" means continuing the mission beyond the battlefield. Just as "the Army helped me," I believe in paying it forward by helping other veterans tear down their own "invisible walls" and build meaningful lives. It represents my commitment to ensuring that no veteran walks alone through the challenges of civilian life. SSV embodies the same brotherhood and support system that makes the military special – we leave no one behind. It's about honoring service by helping veterans continue to serve their communities, families, and themselves in new and fulfilling ways.
