Matt grew up in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, the oldest of five children. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and fishing, and had a deep love for writing and singing rap music. Driven by a desire to help others, he aspired to become a pediatrician.

After graduating from Moon Area High School in June 2005, Matt enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and trained as a combat medic at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was then assigned to the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York. In August 2006, he deployed to Iraq. On February 19, 2007, Matt was killed in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device for his actions on September 26, 2006. During that attack, he treated wounded soldiers and shielded a comrade with his body as a second device exploded nearby.

Matt’s legacy lives on through his family, friends, comrades, and the Bowe Troop Medical Clinic at Fort Drum, which bears his name.