Bend Purple Heart veteran speaks at Cascades Academy

In honor of Veterans Day coming up this weekend, Bend’s Cascades Academy had a local Purple Heart veteran, Dr. Jack Matthews, come speak to its students on Thursday.

Dr. Jack Matthews told the students about his service as a Marine during the Vietnam War. During that time, Matthews was injured twice.

Because of the injuries, he lost his leg and received the Purple Heart.

Matthews went on to get his doctorate in American History at Washington State University. He taught classes at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, before settling in Bend.

Matthews said he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder when he returned from Vietnam. Now, he helps Marine’s deal with PTSD.

Throughout his career, Matthews received 11 honor from the Marine Corps. Including two Purple Hearts, and the first emeritus from Marine Corps University.