First Sergeant Matthew Shea enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 2000. Upon graduation from Marine Corps Recruit Depo San Diego, California and Marine Combat Training, Camp Pendelton, California. He then reported to Field Artillary School, Fort Snelling, Oklahoma.
In 2001 upon graduation as Field Artillery Cannon Crewman he reported to his active duty station Tango Battery 5th Battailon 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. First Sergeant Shea was then deployed in 2002 on a WESTPAC and supported Operation Anaconda, in Afghanistan Arab SEA. In 2003 he deployed once more with Tango Battery as a Gunner for the M198 Howitzer, Counter Battery Support, during Operation Iraqi Freedom I. Upon returning from Iraq he attended and completed Howitzer Section Chief School, Camp Pendelton.
In 2004 First Sergeant Shea left active duty. First Sergeant Shea then persued his civilian career first working as an Heavy Equipment Operator from 2004 to 2007. In 2007 he gained full time employment with the Federal Buerau of Prisons as an Correctional Officer, at the Federal Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota.
In July 2007 First Sergeant Shea affiliated with the USMCR, joining Air Operations Company, Marine Wing Support Squadran Det(-), Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He then attended the Fire Protection Apprentice Cource, Goodefellow Air Force Base, Texas where he earned a second MOS of 7051, Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue Specialist. From 2008 to 2019 First Sergeant Shea served as Crash Fire Rescue Inspector SNCOIC, Company Gunnery Sergeant, H&S Company 1stSgt, and Air Operations Company 1stSgt..
From May 2019 to May 2021 First Sergeant Shea served as Company First Sergeant for Delta Company 4th Recon Battalion, 4th Marine Division Albuquerque, New Mexico. In May 2021 First Sergeant Shea assumed duties as Company First Sergeant Echo Company 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 23d Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Granger IA.