For the past 11 years, Sterling on the Lake has been home to Matthew Mallalieu, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) who served his country with honor and distinction for 15 years. His story of service is one of courage, commitment, and inspiration.

Matthew’s decision to join the military was driven by a lifelong desire to serve his country. "I had wanted to serve since childhood," he shares, explaining that the events of September 11th, along with seeing several friends join the military, deepened his resolve. This calling led him to enlist in the USMC, where he would go on to forge an impressive career.

Throughout his years of service, Matthew earned numerous accolades. Among these were the National Defense Service Medal, the NATO Medal for his service in Afghanistan, and three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals. His exemplary performance also earned him recognition through the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and many others. Each honor reflects not just his individual dedication, but his commitment to serving as part of a larger team.

Matthew’s choice to serve wasn’t just a personal calling—it was part of a family tradition. His father was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving for nine years. This familial connection to the military further solidified Matthew’s dedication to following in those footsteps and contributing to the defense of his country.

Matthew’s military career began in 2008 when he attended Officer Candidate School and The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. His journey took him across the country and overseas, including deployments to Afghanistan. He steadily progressed through the ranks from 2nd Lieutenant to Major, holding various key positions such as Detachment Commander and Executive Officer of Recruiting Station Atlanta. One of his most memorable roles was serving as a Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team Leader during Operation Enduring Freedom, a deployment that left a lasting impact on him.

From 2016 to 2022, Matthew served as the COMMSTRAT Operations Officer for the 4th Marine Logistics Group, and in 2019, he was deployed to the Southern Command Area of Responsibility as part of a Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force. His military career concluded in 2024 with his service in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).

Looking back, Matthew considers his time deployed to Afghanistan as his most memorable experience. “The most memorable experiences happened while deployed as a Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team Leader,” he says, recalling the unique challenges and sense of camaraderie he felt in the field.

For young people considering military service, Matthew has simple yet powerful advice: "Do it. Even if you put it off until after college and commission, it will be a very rewarding endeavor."

Now, after years of dedicated service, Matthew has settled into life in Sterling on the Lake, where he continues to be a proud member of the community. His story serves as a reminder of the incredible sacrifices made by our veterans, and his dedication to his country is an inspiration to all.

We thank Matthew Mallalieu for his service and are honored to have him as part of the Sterling on the Lake family.