Sgt. James “Matt” Amos enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in April 2003. In January 2004, he attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. After graduating from boot camp he was assigned to 1st Battalion 7th Marines. PFC Amos reported to Alpha Company 1/7, in June 2004, where he was assigned as a Rifleman. In August 2004, PFC Amos deployed to Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. While in Iraq, he was promoted to Lance Corporal in September 2004.

After returning from Iraq he became a Team Leader. He was then deployed, in February 2006, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 5-07. On August 10, 2006, LCpl. Amos was wounded by an improvised explosive device while on a dismounted patrol in the village of Zella, Iraq. He suffered lacerations to the face and extremities as well as numerous shrapnel wounds to the arms and legs. After being medically evacuated and treated for his wounds, he remained at battalion headquarters in Al Qaim, Iraq. While recovering from his wounds, LCpl. Amos was promoted to Corporal (combat meritorious) in October 2006.

Cpl. Amos re-enlisted in July 2007, and was promoted to Sergeant in December 2007. Sgt. Amos received orders in August 2009 to report for duty with 1st Battalion 5th Marine Regiment. Sgt. Amos deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan in March 2011. While on a dismounted patrol, on June 6, 2011, Sgt. Amos was severely wounded after stepping on an IED, which resulted in the loss of both of his legs, a fractured pelvis, and numerous internal injuries. He was flown to Camp Bastion for immediate treatment, and then taken to Landsthul, Germany for further treatment. From Germany he was taken to Bethesda Naval Hospital where he underwent several surgeries to repair his numerous injuries. He was eventually transferred to Naval Medical Center San Diego and assigned to Wounded Warrior Battalion West.

In addition to physical therapy and various other programs directed at improving his physical well-being, Sgt. Amos continued his studies at Oregon State University. Sgt. Amos retired on September 29th, 2013. He has since become an entrepreneur with four companies. He has also taken an executive position at Peeples Orthotics and Prosthetics
to mentor new amputees, and Sgt. Amos is a host on the web series Adventures Enabled. In addition to his professional careers, Sgt. Amos spends fourteen weeks a year volunteering for Wounded Warrior Outdoors. Sgt. Amos’ personal awards include: The Purple Heart with one gold star, The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and two gold stars, Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one bronze star, The Philip Pistilli Silver Veterans Medal from the Truman Foundation, and the Defender of Freedom Award from Freedom Alliance. Sgt. Amos has been married to his wife Audrie for fourteen years. They have two beautiful daughters, Lily age 12, and Clara age 8.