First Sergeant Matthew S. Veniskey is a native of Rochester, New York. He enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program in July 2002 and graduated from Greece Arcadia High School in June 2003. He attended recruit training with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, followed by Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry East, Camp Geiger, North Carolina.
In March 2004, Private Veniskey reported to Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, 81mm Mortar Platoon, where he served as an ammo man, a-gunner, and gunner. He deployed to Afghanistan in May 2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and returned in December 2004. He later participated in Infantry Tactical Training at Fort A.P. Hill and Combined Arms Exercise at 29 Palms, California. In August 2005, Lance Corporal Veniskey deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon return in March 2006, he attended the Advanced Mortar Leadership Course and later served as a Squad Leader through Mojave Viper.
In August 2007, Corporal Veniskey reported to Headquarters Company, 8th Marine Regiment, serving as a Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant for EAS/Legal Platoon. He completed the Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course and participated in Spartan Resolve. In January 2009, Sergeant Veniskey deployed with Regimental Combat Team 8, Personal Security Detachment, and was attached to Military Transition Team 0731 as a Tactical Advisor to the 1st and 2nd Iraqi Marine Corps Brigades. Upon return in October 2009, he attended the Martial Arts Instructor Course and Sergeants Course at Camp Lejeune.
In July 2010, Sergeant Veniskey reported to Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines. He served as a Squad Leader, then transferred to Echo Company as the Senior Forward Observer and 60mm Mortar Section Leader. He attended the Joint Fires Observer Course and participated in CAX at 29 Palms. In January 2011, he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving as Squad Leader, JFO, and Mortar Section Leader. Upon return in August 2011, he resumed duties as Platoon Sergeant.
In July 2012, Sergeant Veniskey reported to 1st Marine Corps District, Recruiting Station New Jersey, serving as a canvassing recruiter and MEPS assistant liaison at Fort Dix.
In July 2015, Staff Sergeant Veniskey reported to the Marine Corps Training Mission in the United Arab Emirates, where he served as SNCOIC of 1st Battalion, Khalifa Bin Zayed Brigade, advising the UAE Presidential Guard.
In August 2017, he reported to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, Echo Company, where he served as Platoon Sergeant. His platoon represented the Marine Corps in NATO's largest exercise in the United Kingdom. He completed the SNCO Career Course at Camp Pendleton as Honor Graduate. In December 2018, he transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserves.
In February 2019, Staff Sergeant Veniskey joined Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines, serving as Platoon Sergeant for the 81mm Mortar Platoon and completing the Reserve Infantry Unit Platoon Sergeants Course. In February 2021, Gunnery Sergeant Veniskey became the New Jersey representative for the Marine for Life Program. In November 2021, he transferred to H&S Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines, where he served as Logistics Chief and Company Gunnery Sergeant. He also attended the SNCO Advanced Course in Quantico, Virginia.
In August 2023, First Sergeant Veniskey reported to Headquarters Company, 6th Communication Battalion, 4th Marine Division, to serve as Company First Sergeant. He later served as Senior Enlisted Advisor while on active duty with Marine Aircraft Group 49. In December 2023, he returned back to 6th Communications Battalion and serving his 3 year tour as Company First Sergeant. In March 2026, First Sergeant Veniskey was then transferred to Golf Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines were he is currently serving as Golf Battery First Sergeant.
His personal awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star in lieu of fourth award), Combat Action Ribbon (gold star in lieu of second award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (three bronze stars in lieu of fourth award), Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal (bronze star in lieu of second award), National Defense Service Medal, Certificate of Commendation (Individual Award), Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (bronze star in lieu of second award), Iraq Campaign Medal (two bronze stars in lieu of third award), Navy Unit Commendation (four bronze stars in lieu of fifth award), Meritorious Mast, Joint Meritorious Unit Award (bronze star in lieu of second award), NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (bronze star in lieu of second award), Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (three bronze stars in lieu of fourth award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (one bronze star in lieu of second award), and two Letters of Appreciation.