Episode 79: Matt Klein “Battle Tribe”

Matthew joined the U.S. Army and served in the 3rd Infantry Division as a machine gunner and squad marksman. He conducted 400+ combat missions during two tours in Iraq, receiving the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and a Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds resulting from a large IED explosion. He was honorably discharged in 2006. Matthew now serves as a detective with the NYPD in the elite, three-member forensic artist unit. Detective Klein’s primary focus is creating the likeness of suspects for “wanted posters” when there is no surveillance footage by interviewing witnesses. His forensic sketches have resulted in many perpetrators being brought to justice. Now Matt runs Battle Tribe, the perfect fusion of nerd, military, and pop culture to the masses. This week Matt tells the story of his journey from a kid in New York to the hallowed ranks of the NYPD through service to his country and a special skill that he always had in the back of his mind.