Our Story
About the Founder
Matt Keck is a former field artilleryman who served in the United States Army from 1998 to 2001. He was stationed at Fort Polk, where he served in Howitzer Battery 3/2 Armored Cavalry Regiment. His time on active duty established a lasting commitment to the profession and identity of the artilleryman.
Matt left active duty to pursue higher education and enrolled in ROTC with the intent to commission as an active duty officer. During this period, he continued his service in the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 2001 to 2005, serving as a Sergeant. While in the Guard, he served as a crew member on both the M109 Paladin and the M119 howitzer, gaining experience across multiple artillery platforms.
A chronic service connected injury led to a medical discharge, ending his path toward commissioning and bringing his Field Artillery career to an early close. In the years that followed, he carried a sense of shame for not being able to continue serving alongside his fellow artillerymen. He often believed that many others had given far more than he had, and that perception shaped how he viewed his own service.
Following his separation, he entered the field of business management. Although this provided stability, it did not replace the sense of purpose he experienced during his time in artillery service. The absence of that mission remained significant.
The creation of Go Artillery reflects a deliberate decision to return to that sense of purpose. The initiative is intended to support, promote, and advocate for the Field Artillery community. It is grounded in respect for those who have served, those currently serving, and those considering service. It also represents a personal commitment to contribute meaningfully to the branch that shaped his life.
Although he is no longer on the gunline, he remains committed to the identity he earned. He may not be on the gunline anymore, but he will always be a Redleg.
