Our weekly series, Remembering our Veterans continues with the story of Matt Killian, a purple heart recipient who served 12 years in the U.S. Army.

Killian is a peer counselor at the Erie V.A., he has wrapped his arms around a new mission. 

The 2001 Girard High School graduate, wanted something different and inspired by family members who served, Matt Killian decided to do the same.

"I got to meet a lot of awesome people, I got to travel the world. I got to go to Germany, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan," said Killian. "My first deployment was in Iraq in 2004 or 2005. My second tour of Afghanistan, I got to come back early. So, I spent about two or three months there." 

His multiple tours of duty took a toll and he suffers from PTSD. He's been inspired by a Special Olympian Janine Calabrese, a relative through marriage.

"You know Janine... [pauses], I'm getting goosebumps right now. I remember getting the call that she won gold, and it was just like man there's nothing she can't do," said Killian. "It kind of put everything in perspective, everything I've done in my life. It's just like, my life isn't bad, she's a rock star." 

He copes by hunting and fishing and has worked with non profits over the years to make the great outdoors enjoyable for other veterans.

"It means the world, I've been volunteering with various non-profits. Getting veterans out, hunting and fishing just because that's a passion of mine. It's something that's helped me along my own path to recovery," said Killian. "My 'aha' moment, I was selected for a purple heart in Texas, and when I was down there I realized giving back was what I wanted to do." 

Matt's dedication and willingness to kelp others is non-stop. He's is working on two turkey hunts, a walleye trip and the duck hunting event about ten days before Christmas.

From all of us at Erie News Now, Matt Killian, thank you for your service.