Matt Graham’s (he/him) law degree has influenced his work in more ways than one. In addition to critically interpreting tax law while consulting his clients, Matt used his background to partner with his father and advocate for military veterans to earn their disability benefits. He’s been with Moss Adams since October 2014 and recently accepted the role of co-recruiting officer for the Veterans business resource group (BRG) to continue his support for the community. As part of this year’s commemoration of Veterans Day, Matt shares his experiences and discusses this year’s theme, Freedom Isn’t Free, to encourage everyone to show their gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans.

How did you get involved with Veterans BRG leadership?

I love talking to people about the firm, so applying to be a recruiting officer sounded perfect. The Veterans BRG is committed to attracting and retaining high-quality veteran candidates at Moss Adams, and I enjoy speaking with veterans because of my upbringing.

I almost didn’t join the Veterans BRG, let alone apply for a leadership position. I thought the BRG was only for people who served, but it wasn’t until recently that I understood it was for veterans and those who support them. I excluded myself because I worried about stolen valor, and later realigned my understanding to support this community I care about.

Would you share more about your upbringing that inspired your support of veterans?

My father, my uncle, and both of my grandfathers served in the military. All four of them had very distinguished or significant experiences, and as a child, I saw them as strong men of high moral character because of how they conducted themselves even in stressful times. I thought I’d go into military service too, but it didn’t work out that way.

What changed?

I earned a high score in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery during high school but later learned that I had a disqualifying medical issue. I had a vision for my life and planned to enlist with my childhood friends, but I was unexpectedly left behind. It was a punch in the gut.

I had to make a new plan. At that time, my dad received a permanent and total disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) due to his injuries from the Vietnam War, which helped me go to college on a full-ride scholarship. I decided on accounting and later law school, and my dad began helping other veterans navigate the complicated system to apply for disability benefits.

First, he started a blog. Then, he published a book. Finally, he decided to turn his passion into post-retirement work. He became more involved in practicing VA disability law, and I’d use what I learned in law school to help him understand legal terms and brainstorm the tone of his cases.

Did you support any of the VA disability cases that your father represented?

Occasionally. I met some of the veterans and started to get a sense of injustice from benefits being denied even when deserved. Those claims can be denied on technicalities, like neglecting to check a box, and I decided I wanted to use my skill set to help my dad make a bigger impact.

Nearly a decade ago, my dad and I worked with a guy who hadn’t received all the medals he’d earned during his tenure. My dad reached out to our local Congressman, another big supporter of the veterans community, and he helped approve the Silver Star award. We held a beautiful medal-pinning ceremony in my parents’ apple orchard. That was such a touching moment. He thought his country would never recognize his sacrifices.

Working full-time with a family has made it more challenging for me to keep up with the work, but I work with my dad to fight the good fight when I can.

This year’s Veterans Day theme is Freedom Isn’t Free. How do you reflect on this theme?

It’s a short phrase, but there’s a lot in it. Many of us don’t see the cost. It’s not coming out of our checking account but out of the sacrifices of our veterans. They bear that cost with their health, so it’s important to recognize that. Many feel that their service is a thankless job, so offering a thank you goes a long way and it’s a great place to start.

Also, I think it’s important that veterans feel welcomed when they transition to civilian life. When enlisted, soldiers and their comrades may need to fight to stay alive. Then, they leave that social support structure to return home and find corporate norms are very different. They don’t have a familiar bond or sense of belonging.

The Veterans BRG hopes to help with that transition at Moss Adams, but I think everyone benefits from contributing. Veterans have learned the rigor and procedures that keep our processes structured and the value of working together as a team instead of as individuals. They’re great mentors to upcoming talent.

Veterans carry the cost of our freedom, and when we help them feel welcomed at work, we hold onto excellent leaders who shape firm culture. Their expertise helps us all put our best foot forward and be the best version of ourselves that we can be.