Dragons Veteran Salute Program to Honor Sergeant Matthew Graves on July 27

DAYTON, Ohio -- CareSource Military & Veterans and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Marine Corps and United States Army veteran Sergeant Matthew Graves with the Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans on Sunday, July 27 at 1:05 pm when the Dragons take on the South Bend Cubs at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the fourth of five special Veteran Salute dates of the 2025 season.

The Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans provides veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service to our country. Each honoree’s story is shared in front of the crowd at Day Air Ballpark followed by a standing ovation in appreciation of the veteran's hard work and dedication both in military and civilian accomplishments.

Sergeant Matthew Graves’ Story:

Matthew Graves was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and felt a strong calling to serve in the military after the events of 9/11. After graduating high school in 2003, Graves enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina.

Graves completed various training schools in the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, focusing on telecommunications. He served as a Tactical Switching Operator, responsible for installing, maintaining, and recovering tactical communications systems including cable distribution infrastructure and telephones. Graves was then stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California before deploying to Iraq where he worked convoy security and manned guard towers. His platoon experienced frequent attacks, including several IED incidents. In 2007, Graves left the Marine Corps to begin a new chapter and focus on starting a family.

In 2008, Graves enlisted in the United States Army. He served for three years at Fort Sill, Oklahoma working in field artillery and air defense artillery before transferring to Fort Irwin, California. There, Graves spent time at the National Training Center and earned the promotion of Sergeant. Graves reached his expiration term of service and retired from the United States Army in 2014.

Graves received multiple commendations throughout his military career. These include the Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon for active engagement under enemy fire, the Naval Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy, and a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat.

Graves is proud to have done his part to make the world a safer place for his children and those around him. His time in uniform brought him lifelong values and taught him to listen with intention, pay attention, and always be punctual. These are lessons he still carries with him.

Today, Graves enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family. He helps Zoila, his wife of 17 years, in running her business and is an active father to their five children cheering them on in their various activities and baking bread and dessert for them. When he is not with his family, Graves enjoys reading and making the most of every peaceful moment earned through years of dedicated service.

To nominate a veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans, visit daytondragons.com/veteransalute.