Matias Ferreira served in the United States Marine Corps as a Machine Gunner with 1st Battalion 8th Marines 2nd Marine Division, stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
During a combat tour (Operation Enduring Freedom) to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2010, Matias stepped on an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) causing him to lose both legs below the knees, amongst other injuries. Matias was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Unit Citation amongst other military awards.
During a year and a half of rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Matias competed in numerous races to include The Navy 5 Miler, Army 10 Miler, Marine Corps Marathon, Detroit Marathon, New York City Marathon, Disney Marathon, and several others. Matias is also part of an all Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team that competes all year round against the Military, First Responders and Celebrity teams spreading the message that “Life Without Limbs Is Limitless.”
Matias enjoys volunteering with numerous non profit organizations that focus on rehabilitation, empowering your “New Normal,” and renewing your faith. Most of these non profit organizations are involved with Adaptive Sports, Military Veterans, Children with Physical and Cognitive Disabilities, and Law Enforcement Officers.
Matias Ferreira is currently an active Police Officer with the Suffolk County Police Department in Suffolk County, New York; making him the first Double Amputee Patrolman in the country.
Adapt and overcome, a hallmark of Marine training. Oorah, Matias Ferreira, best of luck in all of your endeavors. Semper Fi!!! Top Pro
Stand tall Marine. You make me proud to call you a brother. Stay safe, and thank you for your service. Semper Fi.C
Semper Fi Marine and stay safe out there my brother.
What an outstanding achievement. What an inspiration!
Good luck in all of your future endeavors.
Semper Fi!
It makes you proud to say but you’re a fellow Marine. You’re someone that all should look up to. I do believe that this is not the last time we will be hearing about your accomplishments. Semper Fi brother
Semperfi Brother ??
Thank for your Service and Sacrifice to our Country Marine. I was an 0331 1971-1976. The M-60 was part of my body for 2 years. I had two of the best team members Gill and Burt. Working as a team they never left me hanging.
You will do well in your new job as POLICE OFFICER. Semper Fi.
GOD bless you, young man! Thank you for your service to our Nation. May GOD watch over you and keep you and your loved ones safe all your days. Semper Fi from a Proud Marine Mom..
I am unbelievably so proud of you for serving our country and being the man you are today. There is no doubt
In my mind you are an inspiration to many others today. I’ll pray for your happiness and peace forever! My sons father was never able to leave the Marine Corps alive after 19 years.
Semper Fi my brother. God go with you always.
Good luck and Semper Fi from a fellow marine and a retired Police Officer.
What a shining example for all. Wishing you nothing but joy and success, Marine. Semper Fi!
That is one motivated MARINE .SEMPER FI
A Hero among Hero’s. You are one Tough Ass Marine. I Salute you. I am a retired Sgt Maj USMC 1966-1996 and a retires Deputy Sheriff from Louisiana. Semper Fidelis My Brother
Raymond Edwards Sgt Maj
The I.E.D. may have taken Matias Ferreira’s legs but obviously his balls are still intact! Semper Fi and stay safe, Brother!
Fr. Paul Tunu Bachmann
Cpl. USMC, 1962-1966
GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO. I SHALL PRAY FOR YOU EACH DAY.
GOD BLESS,
PAUL+
I’m a retired sergeant major and a vietnam vet who served 13 months with 1st Bn 9th marines. I was not wounded but not because they didn’t try. This young man is truly amazing and I would be proud to serve with him and call him brother.
As ALL Marines we are trained and it is instilled in us.
Semper Fi brother you and all the rest of us are proud.
R. Michael Graf
1966-1971 2/4 in VietNam
God bless our corps !
AWESOME… Semper Fi Brother!!!
Thank You for your service for our country, I wish most young people and many in the sports world today don’t know the meaning of sacrifice like you have given may god be by your side always and have your back I’m from NJ yeah I don’t like what it’s turned to but it is what it is. I’ve been out thru Suffolk county many a times stay safe and god bless, semper fi Devil dog, hurrahhhhh ?????????.
Matias, you are an inspiration to all, you are the true meaning of the phrase “Never Give Up”. As a former Marine, and a recently retired Deputy Sheriff, I applaud your accomplishments, and want to thank you for your service, and your sacrifices.
Best of luck in your Law Enforcement Career, stay safe.
Semper Fi.
You are an inspiration to all who have served, Semper Fi, my brother. And stay safe in your Law enforcement career. Former Sgt. William T. Minor U.S.M.C.
Semper Fi from a old Marine. May the Lord keep and bless you. You and your brothers in in our prayers daily. Stay safe my brother and God bless.
God Bless Brother – Semper Fi
An inspiration to us all. I hope to get permission to share this story with my Marine Corps League detachment. Suffolk is a big county! But you could probably run from Melville to Montauk — but maybe they’ll give you a car! Congratulations on all your accomplishments and for you service.
Semper Fi.
Henry Mackey Act/Cpl 1957 – 1960
October 1, 2020
Matias, you are a determined and focused young man your ability to accomplish what you have with the will and strength of your mind is a blessing.
God bless you in your Police Career and keep you safe in that service.
Thank you for your service to our country; as I regret your loss, but praise your great spirit and attitude.
Semper fi
The embodiment of “improvise, adapt, and overcome”. What a challenge and inspiration. As a Marine Corps veteran and retired Police Officer, Semper Fidelis, watch your six, and keep your powder dry Marine! Good luck on your career path and Semper Fi!!!