At John Jay College, we’re committed to providing our military service members, veterans, and their families the support they need to reach their academic, professional, and personal goals. These talented students sacrificed a great deal to protect our country and the ideals that we hold dear. We consider it an honor to further their education and create an environment focused on their success. As a continuation of the admirable work done by our Military and Veteran Services Center and Veterans Association, we’re excited to highlight the achievements of our military and veteran community in our “Salute to Service” article series. As you read about their journeys, accomplishments, and aspirations, two things will become abundantly clear: These servicemen and servicewomen are focused on their education—with a 90 percent graduation rate—and they know how to support each other. Whether they’ve served in the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy, their unique experiences and perspectives play a vital role in our community.   

U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Enforcement Specialist and former President of the John Jay Veterans Association, Michael Matos ’23 was just six years old when the tragic events of September 11 unfolded, yet he remembers how the selfless acts of heroism demonstrated that day inspired him to pursue a military career. “Joining the U.S. Coast Guard always felt like my calling,” says Matos, an International Criminal Justice major. “I grew up carrying the memory of 9/11. As I got older, I learned about the vital role the U.S. Coast Guard and maritime vessel operators played on that day—helping to evacuate 500,000 civilians from lower Manhattan, taking them to safety—and that was so inspiring to me. It piqued my interest in the Coast Guard and as I read more about its history and multi-mission purpose, I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life.”

On active duty with the Coast Guard for more than six years, Matos has taken on many roles, performing countless search and rescue missions, enforcing maritime law on U.S. waterways, executing antiterrorism operations, and even working in partnership with the Secret Service to ensure the President’s safety. Now, in the reserves part time, he’s hoping to continue his service while pursuing a degree. We spoke with Matos to learn more about his time with the U.S. Coast Guard and his advice for future generations of servicemen and women.

What was it about working with the U.S. Coast Guard that really excited you?    
The U.S. Coast Guard prides itself on being a life-saving organization before anything and that’s something that really stood out to me. Yes, we provide national defense and security, but since 1790 we’ve been there for search and rescue, as well as maritime safety and security. When Hurricane Sandy hit the U.S. East Coast, I remember seeing videos of Coast Guard helicopters performing rescue missions over raging waters and photos of Coast Guard personnel knocking on doors, handing out MREs and supplies, ensuring that communities were okay. Those images were powerful and made me really want to help.

I also like how there are so many opportunities for growth within the agency. The Coast Guard is one of the smaller branches in the military and because of that we sometimes have to do the jobs of four or five people. For instance, while I was learning to be coxswain—that’s the guy in charge of the vessel, and at times, search and rescue—I was also learning to be a boarding officer doing maritime law enforcement. So, being in the Coast Guard has presented me with the opportunity to wear many hats, take on different responsibilities, and learn new skillsets. It’s made me a very well-rounded Coast Guardsman.

Looking back at your years in the Coast Guard, you’ve taken on many roles including a seaman, boatswain’s mate, and now a maritime enforcement specialist. Can you describe your best day on the job?
It was a month before I was set to leave active duty and enter the reserves. I was serving as operations manager for maritime search and rescue missions on the Potomac River in the Washington D.C. metro area. My crew and I were out on patrol when we got a call that a gentleman was on top of his boat, which had broken down, and he was coughing profusely. When we got to him, he was having trouble breathing but managed to tell us that his wife was down in the cabin and was unresponsive. We saw that she was face down and we put two and two together, this was carbon monoxide poisoning. I told my crew, “Before you go in there, hold your breath, do not breathe in whatever is in there.” They went in, pulled her out. She wasn’t breathing and had no pulse, so we began to administer CPR. We were able to get her to the Georgetown pier where there was a doctor, along with Metro Police and D.C. Fire who offered to help with the CPR, giving my crew a break. A few weeks later we were back out on the water doing patrols and saw the couple’s boat. It was fully operational, and at the top were the husband and wife enjoying the day. They had both survived. Seeing that and knowing we had a hand in saving the lives of these two people was probably the most rewarding moment for me. It was a good day.

During your time with the Coast Guard, have there been any challenging moments and if so, how did you overcome those challenges?
Being a coxswain is probably one of the most challenging jobs I’ve had in the Coast Guard. It’s more than just driving the boat. You’re in charge of the crew, the boat, and of yourself. When it involves search and rescue missions, you assume responsibility as on-scene coordinator, which means that you’re also responsible for any agents that show up to the scene. You need to think on a wide, operational scale. It’s about figuring out how to tactfully use everyone that’s there to help, and that can be extremely overwhelming. It’s very complexed and filled with pressure. What helped me overcome that challenge and become better in the role, was understanding that the best thing I could do in the situation is be adaptable and listen to the different perspectives being offered. We can be a prideful people and get tunnel vision, wanting to save the day and figure it out on our own, but it’s important to remember that others are there to help too. It’s about using all the resources available and not letting your ego get in the way.

You’re a student at John Jay. What was it about the College that made you want to come here?
In the military, and certainly in the Coast Guard, John Jay has a very positive reputation for being a military-friendly college. Once I left active duty, I wanted a career in federal law enforcement, and I knew that John Jay was the best place for a criminal justice-focused education, because you’re learning from professors who have worked in the field and have that valuable firsthand experience. I also knew that the College had a big and supportive veteran community and that was something I looked forward to being part of.

In what way has the Military and Veteran Services Center and your time with the Veterans Association helped you during your time at John Jay?
The Military and Veteran Services Center is the one organization that gave me a real sense of community at John Jay. Military and Veteran Services Manager Richard Pusateri is an incredibly supportive person who is dedicated to his veterans and is always there for you. If you need support and he’s not available, he’ll go out of his way to make sure someone is. If you need a recommendation or a resource, he’ll facilitate that connection for you.

When I was President of the Veterans Association, that sense of community grew even stronger. I had a supportive executive board who brought their own unique perspectives to the table as veterans and children of military servicemen and women, which was valuable. It helped us push for greater resources and opportunities for our veteran community at the College.

Something we all go through when we leave the service is that we lose that sense of camaraderie, and that can be disorienting for a veteran, but at John Jay you regain that feeling of community because we have such a wonderful, tightknit military and veteran family. Knowing that we have this common experience and common shared history of taking an oath to serve others really helps us connect and bond with each other. For me, my time at John Jay has made me more passionate about helping the military and veteran community.

Are there any misconceptions about the military, specifically the Coast Guard, that you’d like to dispel?
There’s this very big misconception that the Coast Guard isn’t part of the military. We are part of the military, our work may look different, but the goal is the same, to serve our country and keep our nation and communities safe.

What advice would you give to future service members and John Jay veteran students?
Be yourself. Dedicate your time to what makes you happy. Be open to new information and be respectful of everyone you meet. And, if you choose a life of service, make sure you’re being of service. If you sign up for a branch of the military, whether it’s the Coast Guard, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, or the Marines, remember that while your contract is for a certain number of years, your oath of service doesn’t expire with that contract. If your life’s mission is to serve the community, you must be committed to being of service and being consistent. You don’t have to do big things; you can do little things like holding the door for someone. It’s about being a good person, helping others, and trying to make the world a better place.