Captain Matthew S. Steele enlisted in the US Army in June 2001 after college graduation from St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn.

After completing basic training at Fort. Knox, Ky., Matt began Officer Training School on Sept. 9, 2001. After additional training in Arizona for Military Intelligence, he transferred to Korea for a one year deployment and then began his Ranger training upon his return to the United States.

As a Ranger, he was stationed in Savannah, Ga. for two years and deployed once to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq as he aspired to the rank of Captain before his discharge in December of 2005.

He entered back into the military in October 2006 and is currently stationed with a reserve unit in Omaha, Neb., instructing ROTC Cadets at Creighton University. Matt is a 1997 graduate of Eden Prairie High School.

Steele's personal awards include a Bronze Star Medal, 2 Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Ranger Tab and Parachutist Badge.