Matthew Slaydon
Iraq Air Force Veteran, Purple Heart recipient
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Slaydon is a highly decorated Iraq war veteran who earned a Purple Heart on Oct. 24, 2007 when he was severely wounded and lost his eye sight while inspecting an improvised explosive device in Iraq. With his wife Annette at his side, he endured years of excruciating recovery through conventional therapy, which included dangerous prescription drugs that ultimately exacerbated his physical, emotional and psychological trauma. Eventually, he found healing with cannabis, but not until overcoming his own negative perception of illicit drugs. His courageous journey, along with his conviction to assist other injured veterans recover from traumatic injuries and demons of war, is one of true heroism.