Matthew Valente

I graduated from Pennsauken High School in 1985 and enlisted in the US Army that August. I attended Basic and Advanced Individual training at Ft. Benning, GA, graduated from Airborne School, then served in the 1st Ranger Battalion in Savannah, GA, for the next 30 months. I attained the rank of Sergeant before leaving and transferring to Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC, for the next eight years, where I specialized in weapons and small unit leadership. I attended many courses and schools during this time, training in everything from freefall Operations to SERE level 1. 

After twelve years, I decided to leave the Army and pursue a career in Law Enforcement. I settled in Willingboro Township in 1998 and was hired by the Willingboro Police shortly after that. I simultaneously continued my military career in the NJANG, serving in the Infantry. As a police officer, I served on patrol, street crimes, and the Crash unit. Additionally, I am a trained armorer, firearms instructor, Crash 1&2, VD, and Recon 1.

After September 11, 2001, I was deployed twice to Iraq, in 2004 and 2008, receiving three Bronze Star Medals, one with Valor, two Purple Hearts, and a Combat Action Badge. Additionally, I received a Combat Infantry Badge in 1989 during an operation in Central America.

In 2015 I retired from Willingboro as a senior patrol officer due to injuries sustained in combat with a total of 21 years in the pension system. I retired from the NJARNG as a Command Sergeants Major with 30 years of service. In 2016 I became a licensed Public Adjuster and have worked in that field since becoming a Private Detective in 2022. 

I currently live in Swedesboro NJ, with my family, where I am also the paid girls' basketball coach at Kingsway Regional High School.