Not only did Mathews prove his father wrong, but he distinguished himself by becoming the youngest Warrant Officer in the Marine Corps at age 28, selected by the Secretary of the Navy. His military career was marked by excellence as he had completed his training and was on his way to be a Drill Instructor when he was selected as a Warrant Officer. He also served as an Interrogator Translator and Counter Intelligence Agent during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During his 13-year service, he demonstrated exceptional leadership while simultaneously pursuing his education at the University of Maryland during his station in Okinawa, Japan.