May 2026 Member of the Month: Matt “Gyro” Gyrion
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® proudly recognizes Matt “Gyro” Gyrion
as our Member of the Month. His story is one of grit, discipline, and the unbreakable
drive that defines the American soldier, and the brotherhood he rediscovered within the
CVMA®.
A Life Shaped by Service
From an early age, Matt knew exactly where he was headed. Military service ran deep
in his family, and when the time came, he turned down a Division I football scholarship
to enlist in the U.S. Army. For the next six years, he lived the life of an 11B Airborne
Infantryman, serving in two of the most elite and storied units in the Army:
2/75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, WA
3/505 PIR, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC
His deployments included Afghanistan (2002) and Iraq (2003–2004).
Matt earned a long list of qualifications and awards, including CIB, EIB, Airborne,
Jumpmaster, Sniper, Ranger, and more; each representing years of discipline, sacrifice,
and leadership.
“The military made me a leader. It taught me to take charge.”
Today, his time in uniform remains the foundation of who he is.
“I would not be where I am without my time in.”
Moments That Leave a Mark
Of all his experiences, one stands above the rest: the first time he jumped out of an
airplane.
That moment changed his life: the adrenaline, the fear, the exhilaration, and the
realization that he was exactly where he was meant to be.
The Army also forged his mindset:
“I would rather die than quit…Nothing came easy for me, so I just had to outwork
everyone.”
Transitioning Out: A Different Kind of Battle
Leaving the military wasn’t easy. Matt didn’t get out on his own terms; he was medically
discharged. The shift from leading soldiers in combat to struggling to find a job was
jarring.
“I had a hard time figuring out what I was meant to do outside of the uniform.”
His advice to other veterans? Use your VSO. Don’t try to tough it out alone.
To stay connected, Matt co‑founded Musky Mission Complete, a nonprofit that takes 12
veterans on an all‑expense‑paid guided musky fishing trip in northern Minnesota every
year. This year marks year 10.
Finding Brotherhood Again by Joining the CVMA®
After nearly 20 years of searching for the camaraderie that he lost when he left the
Army, Matt found it again in the CVMA®.
“I wanted veteran friends closer to home…It lets me feel the brotherhood I’ve been
missing.”
His favorite part?
Helping veterans in need, and being around people who understand his humor, his
experiences, and the weight he carries.
The Rider: A Fatboy That Chose Him
Matt rides a custom 2004 Harley‑Davidson Fatboy; a bike he says chose him. Even
when he buys another, this one will never be sold.
Riding is his escape:
“It quiets my mind…My inner demons go quiet. It’s peaceful.”
His favorite rides are the ones where it’s just him and the road: no destination, no noise,
just freedom.
His wife, Natalie, jokes that he could be happy as a drifter with nothing but his bike, a
sleeping bag, and coffee.
And honestly… she might be right.
Brotherhood, Pride, and Purpose
Being part of the CVMA® means everything to him.
“After almost 20 years of searching for a sense of brotherhood, I’ve finally found it.”
He hasn’t been a member long, but the friendships he’s already built feel like they’ve
been there for years.
His message to veterans considering joining?
“If you miss belonging to something greater, come out and see if we’re a fit.”
Life Beyond the Patch
Outside the CVMA®, Matt is a Director of IT, traveling frequently, and racking up serious
air miles for work. When he’s not working or riding, he enjoys:
Movies
Baseball & football
Bow hunting
Fishing
His garage is beginning to look like a Cabela’s store.
And one thing people might not know? He’s a huge coffee snob.
Dream Ride
If he could ride anywhere in the world, Matt would choose the legendary Pan‑American
route: from Argentina to Alaska. A journey as relentless and expansive as the man
himself.
