MSgt. Matthew Phagan is a native of Daleville, Alabama. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September of 2002 and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion of Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, PFC. Phagan attended the Basic Musician’s Course of Instruction at the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, Virginia. While there, he was promoted to Lance Corporal.

In July of 2003, LCpl. Phagan was assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band in Cherry point, North Carolina. While stationed there he served as Euphonium Instrumentalist, Euphonium Section Leader, Transportation NCOIC, Library Clerk and Administrative Chief and was promoted to the rank of Corporal.  From January of 2005 to September of 2005, he was forward deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, 2^nd LAAD Battalion, Al Asad, Iraq.  After his return, he was promoted to the rank of Sgt.

In May of 2007, Sgt. Phagan was assigned to Marine Forces Pacific Band in Kaneohe, HI where he served as the Euphonium Section Leader, Arranger, Library NCOIC and Martial Arts Instructor. From April of 2009 to August of 2009, Sgt. Phagan deployed to Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, where he served as a Recovery NCO attached to JPAC/POW/MIA.

In January, 2010 Sgt. Phagan was assigned to the Albany Marine Band in Albany, GA where he served as Euphonium Instrumentalist, Euphonium Section Leader, Library SNCOIC, Training SNCOIC, and Martial Arts instructor. Sgt Phagan was promoted to the rank of SSgt in March of 2010.

In October, 2012 SSgt. Phagan was assigned to the 2d Marine Division Band in Camp Lejeune, NC where he served as Euphonium Instrumentalist, Euphonium Section Leader, Brass Commander, Martial Arts Instructor, and Platoon Sergeant. In December of 2012 SSgt. Phagan was selected to attend the Unit Leaders Course at the Naval School of Music in Little Creek, VA.

Upon completion of the Unit Leaders Course, in August of 2014, SSgt. Phagan reported to Marine Band San Diego for duty as Euphonium Instrumentalist, Euphonium Section Leader, Brass Section Commander, Martial Arts Instructor, Library SNCOIC, Sound SNCOIC, and Assistant Enlisted Conductor. In January  of 2016, SSgt Phagan attended the Sound Reinforcement Course at the Naval School of Music in Little Creek, VA.

In October of 2016, SSgt. Phagan checked in to Basic Recruiters School (BRC).  After BRC graduation, SSgt Phagan reported to 6^th Marine Corps Recruiting District where he served as the 6^th Marine Corps District Musician Technical Assistant. In January of 2017, SSgt. Phagan was selected for the MOS of Enlisted Conductor. SSgt. Phagan was promoted to the rank of GySgt. on July of 2017.

In October of 2019, GySgt. Phagan reported to the Naval School of Music in Little Creek, Va where he served as Head of Instrumental Division, Euphonium Instructor, Operations Chief, Formal Schools Manager, and Curriculum Developer. In September of 2022, GySgt Phagan attended the Advanced Musicians Course.
In January of 2023 GySgt. Phagan was selected to his current rank of MSgt. MSgt. Phagan currently serves as the Bandmaster for the Parris Island Marine Band in Parris Island, SC.

MSgt. Phagan’s awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2^nd Award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (3rd Award), Good Conduct Medal (6th award), National Defense Service Medal,  Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon, and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He is married to Samantha Phagan of Flowery Branch, GA. They have four amazing children: Chase: 21, Shyann: 15, Madisyn: 11, and Caden: 8.