Missing Veteran Found Safe, Brother Reports

Matthew Porter, an Air Force veteran reported missing while on a cycling trip from Portland through California reconnected with his family this weekend, his brother shared Sunday night.

Scott Hallgren, a San Jose State masters student who works with kids at the Buena Vista migrant camp, said an upwelling of community support helped spread the word that Porter, his younger brother, might be in trouble.

"People we had been trying to find, people who had been with my brother, found us because they say the story on the web and found my contact info from it," Hallgren said in an email to Patch. "Ultimately, my brother ended seeing the story, and found a flier, then called in."

Porter, 30, was on a soul-searching cycling adventure following an 11-year military career that included two tours of duty in Afghanistan. He last heard from while cycling in Mendocino County. That was more than two weeks ago.

Porter had lost his cell phone and also got sick, which led to the blackout on contact with his famiy, according to KION Central Coast News.

Hallgren also has said Porter struggled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and was feeling isolated, something common among vets.

"All the people who reached out to him gave him proof that he is well loved," Hallgren said in the email, thanking those who helped bring the family back together.