Army Sergeant Michael Ryan Mather was born in Ohio as the youngest of three boys. From an early age, his parents instilled in their children a deep appreciation for hard work. Mather began working at age six—delivering newspapers before school, mowing lawns, and raking leaves. As he grew older, he spent time helping a friend’s family on their farm, discovering a love for working with his hands, being outdoors, and finding pride, purpose, and discipline in honest labor.
Mather met his wife, Emily, through a mutual friend. By coincidence, they were both from the same city, despite Mather being stationed in the California desert with the Air Force at the time. The couple married in Las Vegas at the Graceland Chapel. Together, they have built a strong and resilient family, navigating the many transitions and challenges of military life. Emily’s unwavering support through deployments and injuries has been a cornerstone of Mather’s strength.
Drawn to challenge and service from a young age, Mather grew up with a profound respect for the military. Service runs deep in his family—his father and brother served, and his ancestors fought in every American conflict since the Revolutionary War. He always knew he wanted to follow in their footsteps. He believed deeply in the ideals on which the nation was founded and felt called to defend freedom not only for Americans, but for people around the world.
Mather enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduating high school in 1999, serving nine years as an F‑15 mechanic. In 2007, he transitioned to the United States Army, where he served for seven years as a Fire Support Specialist (Forward Observer). Over the course of his career, he deployed 11 times—ten with the Air Force and one with the Army—traveling across the globe. He cherished the sense of mission, the brotherhood, and the opportunity to mentor others who were equally committed to serving something greater than themselves.
While serving with the 10th Mountain Division, 4th Brigade, 3rd Squadron, 86th Cavalry, Mather coordinated artillery fire as a Forward Observer and supported critical missions in Iraq. His work identifying threats through surveillance played a vital role in neutralizing high‑value targets and protecting his unit.
On October 11, 2008, during a mission in Baghdad, Mather was shot in the face and neck by an enemy sniper. Despite severe injuries, he bravely continued calling out targets and protecting his platoon leader until a medic could reach him. Even upon arriving at the Combat Support Hospital, he refused surgery until he could call his wife himself, determined that she hear his voice before receiving any official notification. For his actions, he was awarded the Purple Heart. He was also presented with a U.S. flag by a retired Colonel—an honor the Colonel reserved only for those he believed had served with exceptional courage and sacrifice.
The sniper’s bullet entered beneath Mather’s chin, grazing a major nerve bundle and shattering 40% of his jaw. The injury caused extensive nerve damage, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. He continues to navigate long‑term challenges affecting nerve function, mobility, and cognition.
Today, Mather finds joy in time with his family—especially in being a grandparent. He enjoys being outdoors whenever possible and remains deeply connected to the veteran community, always passionate about advocating for the rights and well‑being of fellow wounded warriors. He and Emily attend church together, lead a Bible study for military families, and frequently open their home for gatherings.Â
Receiving a smart home from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has brought Mather and his family renewed stability and independence. Tasks that once caused pain or felt overwhelming are now manageable. The adaptive features of the home allow him to live with dignity and devote more energy to what matters most—time with his wife and family. To Mather, the home is far more than a structure; it is a profound gift of freedom.
Army Sergeant Michael Ryan Mather served because he believes in the promise of freedom—not only for Americans, but for people everywhere. He was willing to give his life so others could live freely. He does not view himself as a hero, but simply as someone who did what he believed was right. The support he has received reminds him that sacrifice is never forgotten, and that hope endures through brotherhood, resilience, and purpose.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided Army Sergeant Michael Ryan Mather with a mortgage-free smart home in the Let Us Do Good Village through the Smart Home Program.Â