The Team

The mission of Outdoor Veterans is driven by the personal journey of its founder, Matthew Tribley, a dedicated Marine Corps veteran and active police officer.

Matthew’s service began in 2013 when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. His career was marked by dedication and a drive to be part of a team making a difference. After completing boot camp, he served with the Marine Corps Security Forces, participating in operations such as Tartan Eagle and Trident. He later served with the prestigious 3rd Battalion 5th Marines in California, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and served as a Squad Leader and T.R.A.P. Team Leader.

Following an unfortunate injury, Matthew was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. Returning home to Illinois, he soon found a new avenue for service by becoming a police officer, a role he holds today. While his transition home brought him closer to family and friends, he felt a void—the familiar mission and camaraderie of his service were missing.

It was through a friend, Austin Kilgore (now one of Outdoor Veterans' lead guides), that Matthew found his path. Matthew sought an outlet for solitude and passion, and Austin introduced him to fishing, and later, the fulfilling world of hunting.

This connection to the outdoors reignited Matthew's sense of purpose. Hunting provided a tangible way to be a provider for his family and allowed him to find peace, challenge, and immense personal reward. The transformation was profound and led Matthew to realize that he had more to give—not just to his own family, but to his fellow veterans and first responders.

Inspired by the healing power of the outdoors, Matthew founded Outdoor Veterans. What began as a dream in 2018 became a fully recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in August 2022. Despite the trials, setbacks, and denied opportunities encountered along the way, the mission to serve never stopped.

Outdoor Veterans now stands as a testament to the belief that the challenge, peace, and camaraderie found in hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors can provide the necessary services and support for veterans and first responders in their transition home and ongoing personal battles. We are here to help them find a new mission—and a new purpose—in the wild.