Matthew Shea
| Matt Shea | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the Position 2, 4th legislative district |
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Assumed office January 12, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Lynn Schindler |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Matthew Thomas Shea April 18, 1974 Spokane, Washington, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Lisa (Jenn) Shea (2002-2008) Viktoriya (Vinnikova) Shea (2008-present) |
| Residence | Spokane Valley, Washington |
| Alma mater |
Gonzaga University (B.A.) Gonzaga University (J.D.) |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Awards |
Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal (2) Army Achievement Medal (4) Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Combat Infantryman Badge NATO Medal Order of the Spur Order of Saint Maurice |
| Website | Official |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
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| Service/branch |
 United States Army Washington Army National Guard
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| Years of service | 1996–2000 2001–2006 |
| Rank |
 Captain
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| Battles/wars |
Bosnian War Iraq War |
Matthew Thomas "Matt" Shea (born April 18, 1974) is an American politician of the Republican Party. He is a member of the Washington House of Representatives, representing the 4th Legislative District.
Shea was born in Spokane on April 14, 1974, to Alice and Michael Shea. He attended both Pasadena and Ponderosa Elementary Schools in Spokane Valley, later moving to Bellingham, where Shea attended middle and high school. He and his younger brother, Marc, played baseball for Sehome High School, playing in the AA Baseball State Championship during his senior year.
Shea attended Gonzaga University, earning a B.A. in History and Political Science, followed by a law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law, where he graduated cum laude.
Shea enjoys cutting firewood, hiking, hunting, fishing, and playing the guitar.
Shea credits his father, Michael, with teaching him "the importance of giving back to America in gratitude for all the freedoms this country has given to (Shea)". He credits his wife, Viktoriya, for "an incredible perspective on freedom after living under communist rule in Ukraine during her childhood".
Shea hosts Patriot Radio, a twice-weekly show broadcast on the American Christian Network (ACN).
Shea joined the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC), continuing as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Gonzaga University in 1996, finishing in the top 3 of his Officer Basic Training course.
From May 1996 to June 2006, he served in the U.S. Army in Fort Knox, KY and Fort Carson, CO, achieving the rank of Captain. He served two combat tours: one as a platoon leader in Camp Dobol, Bosnia-Herzegovina for eight months, and then eleven months as a company commander in Baghdad, Iraq. Later, he was recognized as the top-rated captain in his battalion.
He has been awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Order of St. Maurice.
Shea is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the National Infantry Association.
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Wikipedia