About | Empower Academy

Matthew Docchio - President/Founder

Docchio’s journey began with a distinguished career in the United States Army Special Forces Green Berets. With unwavering dedication and valor, he earning accolades such as the prestigious Bronze Star Medal and The Purple Heart. However, his path was altered in 2018, when injuries sustained in combat necessitated his retirement. Docchio transitioned seamlessly following 23 years in Special Operations. He founded Empower Academy, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to preventing victimization in our communities and university campuses., His innovative curriculum provides with the tools to stay informed, aware, and prepared to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. His unwavering commitment to preventing sexual assault and veteran suicide stands as a powerful testament to his compassion, integrity, and leadership.

About Our Founder

Recent Podcast Appearances

Podcast: TeamTrek Podcast

Topic: Preventative Solution to Sexual Assault & Rape, Veteran Suicide

https://youtu.be/7o15xM-Y63k?si=oEYtqNXFMyVMr5zw

Podcast: The Reformed Sport Parent

Topic: The Power of Empathy in Leadership

https://omny.fm/shows/the-reformed-sports-project-podcast/ep-96-matt-docchio

Meet the Team

Our team at Empower Academy is committed to reducing violence and victimization by teaching proactive safety strategies rooted in situational awareness, analytical thinking, and target prevention. Empower Academy’s instructors are all former Special Forces Green Berets, each with extensive firsthand experience using these skills in high-stakes operations across the globe.

Gabriel Acosta

Operations

Retired Green Beret and devoted father with over 20 years of experience in U.S. Army Special Operations, culminating in the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Liberty University, a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense University, and an MBA from Louisiana State University. His career reflects a deep commitment to leadership, strategy, and lifelong learning.

Arthur Miranda

Education

Retired Green Beret and dedicated father with over 20 years of experience in U.S. Army Special Operations. Arthur brings more than a decade of instructional expertise, having served as the Lead Instructor for the Engineering Course at the U.S. Army Special Warfare Training Center. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and has a proven track record of developing students through hands-on, mission-focused training.

Ryan Reeves

Technology

Retired Green Beret and proud father with over 20 years of experience in U.S. Army Special Operations. He has more than a decade of instructional experience, having trained partner-nation Special Forces across Asia and Europe. He holds certifications in the Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Small Group Instruction, bringing both tactical expertise and a deep understanding of effective adult education.

Past
Experiences

With decades of experience in the United States Army Special Forces Green Berets, Empower Academy brings unparalleled expertise into the classroom. Here are just a few of the accomplishments our team has achieved.

Delivered specialized training, coaching and mentoring for:
- The Department of State
- Department of Defense
- Department of Homeland Security
- Partner Nation Forces across the globe
Extensive Operational Experience in Cental and South America conducting operations in:
- counter-narcotics
- anti-terrorism
- counter-smuggling operations
- human trafficking
Conducted Security Operations globally:
- Force Protection
- Threat Vulnerability Assessments
- Red Cell Operations
Personal Security Detail (PSD) for:
- The President of the United States
- Vice President of the United States
- First Lady
- Secretary of State.