Matthew Runals

Like the characters in his books, Matt Runals believes that individual freedom is necessary for working together. An early entrepreneur, he owned a paintball business as a teenager and competed semi-professionally in paintball. He later attended Liberty University, where he served as assistant coach and chaplain for the paintball team. He worked as a Code of Conduct Officer and a Class 3 Civil Rights Title IX Investigator with the Dean of Students.

After college, he spent fifteen years as a youth minister, mentor, and counselor, focusing on the well-being of trauma victims. Then he felt called to serve in the Army as a chaplain, a position he’s held for eight years. The work Runals has done in mentoring, counseling, and guiding those in need has reinforced his strong belief in community involvement and volunteering.

Runals lives in El Paso, Texas, with his wife Dana, whom he met while playing Ultimate Frisbee, and their three children. He hopes that his work with the Army and the heart he puts into his writing will help more people see the promise and possibility of our American heritage.