ABOUT LINK 22
The tale of LINK 22 is one of camaraderie, shared experiences, and a mutual passion for helping others. It all began with two battle buddies, Troy Allan McElwee Jr. and Matthew Jurecki, whose bond was forged in the crucible of military service.Their journey to founding LINK22 was set in motion during a road trip to West Virginia for a weekend mountain hike. As they navigated winding roads and breathtaking vistas, Troy and Matt found themselves engaged in deep conversation about the challenges facing Veterans transitioning to civilian life.For years, Matt had been keenly aware of Troy's struggles with the invisible wounds of war since their first deployment together. Their friendship had weathered the storms of life, from random adventures to moments of personal growth and maturation. It was during this fateful journey that they realized their shared passion for making a difference in the lives of Veterans, particularly in combating the alarming rate of Veteran suicides.Determined to find a solution, Troy and Matt united their strengths, experiences, and unwavering commitment to create a resolution and intervention to Veteran suicides. They believed that the key lay in fostering healthy and successful transitions for Veterans as they reintegrated into civilian life.Thus, LINK22 was born—a beacon of hope and support for Veterans facing the complexities of post-military life. Troy and Matt's shared vision guides LINK22 in providing comprehensive resources, support, and advocacy to empower Veterans to thrive in their civilian endeavors.Their story is a testament to the power of friendship, shared purpose, and the belief that together, we can make a difference. Through LINK22, Troy and Matt continue their mission to honor the sacrifices of their fellow Veterans and ensure that no one is left behind. Together, they stand as guardians of hope, offering a helping hand and a listening ear to those in need.
Meet Troy
Troy McElwee Jr. | Co-Founder + President
Troy Allan McElwee Jr. is a seasoned leader whose journey is marked by resilience, self-discovery, and a profound commitment to serving others. Growing up in Orlando, Florida, Troy felt a strong sense of duty from an early age. At 17, he answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army Infantry. Over the next two decades, Troy's military career took him on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.Deployed three times, including combat tours in Kosovo and Iraq, Troy experienced the harsh realities of war firsthand. His time in the Army instilled in him a deep sense of camaraderie and a commitment to serving others. However, the transition to civilian life after retiring from the Army at the rank of Sergeant First Class proved to be a challenging and transformative period for Troy.During this time, Troy pursued higher education, seeking to further explore his interests and passions beyond the confines of military service. He enrolled in the Social Work program at Youngstown State University, where he discovered a newfound passion for helping others outside of the uniform. Through his studies, Troy gained valuable insights into the social dynamics and challenges facing individuals and communities, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in community advocacy and nonprofit leadership.After completing his Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Troy's commitment to serving others only deepened. He channeled his passion and expertise into his role as the president of LINK 22, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. Through LINK 22, Troy provides essential resources and support to veterans transitioning to civilian life, helping them navigate the challenges of post-military life with dignity and resilience.In addition to his work with LINK 22, Troy is the owner and operator of a successful barbecue catering company. This venture not only showcases his culinary talents but also serves as a platform for fostering community and connection, bringing people together through shared experiences and shared meals.Troy's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the unwavering commitment to serving others. His leadership and dedication embody the values of honor, integrity, and compassion that have guided him throughout his life.
Meet Matt
Matthew Jurecki | Co-founder + Vice President
Matthew is a Veteran with a background that reflects a commitment to leadership and a passion for helping others, particularly fellow Veterans. Serving as a U.S. Army Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer, Matthew developed the leadership and discipline that have shaped his diverse career. Both in and out of the military, he has consistently sought to carve his own path and contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.
After his military service, Matthew transitioned into healthcare, earning his degree from The Ohio State University and taking on the role of overseeing respiratory therapy education for the Cleveland Clinic Enterprise. During this time, he contributed to research and trade publications, developed leading educational programs, and served on the board of directors for a statewide professional respiratory care organization in Ohio, as well as on advisory boards for university programs. Matthew also shared his expertise at national and international conferences, helping to advance the field of respiratory therapy on a global scale. His work in healthcare, combined with a strong foundation in technology and ongoing involvement in artificial intelligence, reflects his commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
As an entrepreneur, Matthew is actively engaged in coaching, consulting, and technology. His entrepreneurial efforts focus on guiding Veterans, companies, and individuals through their ventures, leveraging his expertise in artificial intelligence to bring cutting-edge solutions to the challenges they face. His approach to business and life is anything but conventional, integrating professional endeavors with personal projects that reflect his curiosity and creativity.
Residing in Lakewood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, Matthew is a husband and father of three, guided by Christian values. He takes an unconventional approach to educate his children at home, teaching others how to embrace a similar path. His pursuit of acting and converting a box truck into a stealth RV are just a few ways he infuses adventure and originality into his life.
At LINK 22, Matthew draws on his varied experiences to support Veterans, offering them the tools, guidance, and resources they need to thrive in civilian life. His blend of military experience, healthcare expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and a uniquely personal approach to life makes him a valued leader within the Veteran community.
