About me

I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2002 after the events of 9/11 as a musician intending to stay only four years. After three of those years, I applied for a commission and became a logistics officer in 2005. Over the time I’ve been a Marine, I’ve come to understand and embrace the core values and do my very best to preserve, honor, and protect our heritage and institution. More recently, this endeavor has led me to become an advocate for LGBT equality within the military and I work towards this goal in both personal and professional capacities.

I love a new adventure, welcome challenges, and thrive on the energy that comes from finding them. I push myself hard and constantly set new goals for myself, ever growing stronger–both physically and mentally. I love music, enjoy a good meal, watch a lot of movies, and read whenever I can find the time. I’m passionate about my beliefs and love talking about them, be it politics or atheism (my two favorites). I’m opinionated but willing to change my mind with compelling evidence or arguments.

Above all, I enjoy surrounding myself with thoughtful people. I seek out those who will challenge, captivate, stimulate, and respect me and others.

Three years ago, I met a wonderful man at a dinner we were both attending, and after two years of correspondence by phone and email, our paths crossed once again, this time igniting a spark that flourished into the most wonderful relationship. We were engaged in December 2012 and were married in Seattle, WA in May 2013. You can learn about our adventures at benandmatthew.com.