The Mitchell Family

The whole nation experienced heartbreak and grief after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001—and Staff Sergeant Matthew Mitchell was no different. As a junior in high school at the time, this had a profound impact which soon resulted in him enlisting in the U.S. Army at the age of eighteen in 2002, moving out of his childhood home in Okeechobee, Florida for the first time. Little did he know that he had a long and memorable military career ahead of him. While on deployment in Iraq, Matthew’s vehicle drove over an improvised explosive device (IED). The intense explosion and its aftermath left him with a traumatic brain injury, as well as injuries to his hand, hip and back. Despite the level of his injuries, Matthew felt lucky to be alive. For long periods of time, the traumatic incident affected his mental and emotional health, leading him into a dark hole of depression and PTSD. Matthew was awarded a Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice; but still lives with the physical and emotional scars from the incident. Staff Sgt. Mitchell served fourteen years active duty with roles that included: Abrams Armor crewman, Mobile Gun System Gunner/Commander, Recruiter, Platoon Sergeant, and Instructor. He is currently a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and works as a talent acquisition specialist for a global insurance company. Matthew is married to his high school sweetheart, Sarah, a legal recruiter and attorney who works from home. They live in St. Petersburg, Florida with their two-year-old son Luka. Additionally, he has three children from a previous marriage—who all reside in Dublin, Ireland and whom he communicates with daily. After overcoming countless obstacles during his military career, Matthew Mitchell still lovingly cares for those around him, especially his family. Our entire Military Makeover team is delighted to present the Mitchell Family as our next recipients for a complete home transformation! This could not be possible without the help of our ever so generous partners, and we look forward to having them by our sides as we change the lives of this deserving military family.