Wounded War Vet Reunites With Vermont GI Who Saved Him (Sgt. Edward Matayka lost his legs)

V News ^ | 12/12/10 | John Curran

[Libloather]

Wounded War Vet Reunites With Vt. GI Who Saved Him
By John Curran
Associated Press
Published 12/12/2010

South Burlington, Vt. -- The last time they were together, it was in the wreckage of a roadside bombing in Afghanistan

Sgt. Edward Matayka, a 33-year-old Vermont National Guard medic, had been mortally wounded. Specialist David Schwerer, of White River Junction, was among those who gave him first aid, applying tourniquets that saved his life but couldn't save his legs.

Yesterday, Matayka got to say thank you, welcoming Schwerer home from a yearlong deployment in an emotional reunion at a ceremony for returning troops.

“This was one of the first things he requested coming out of unconsciousness, to greet the man who saved his life once he found out who it was,” said Laurie Ingalls, of Thetford Center, his mother-in-law. “He wanted to greet him so badly.”

[Libloather]

Sgt. Karen Matayka, a Thetford native, hugs Spc. David Schwerer, of White River Junction, during a homecoming celebration for returning Vermont National Guard soldiers in South Burlington yesterday. Schwerer applied tourniquets to the legs of Matayka’s injured husband, Sgt. Edward Matayka, left, after his vehicle hit a roadside bomb near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan last July, saving Matayka’s life. (Valley News — James M. Patterson)

[Krankor]

If you want to help these brave men and women, this is one of the best organizations there is.
Wounded Warriors

[Lmo56]

Mortally wounded - and lived ???

[FlyVet]

I'm in the last chapter of Marcus Latrelle's book Sole Survivor. If you haven't read it, I recommend you do.

We mere mortals don't understand what these badass sunsabitches go through.

Not only that, but the character-building that they go through growing up. They generally have "ask no quarter, and give none" upbringing. Nobody owes you nuthin', but you better be a man of honor. Very tough.

[mcshot]

Couldn’t agree more.

[FlyVet]

Correct title Lone Survivor not Sole Survivor. Shouldn't have gotten that wrong. Dummy. ;/

[rangerwife]

Awesome story! Thanks for posting! It helps these guys...hubby got to talk to the medic that saved his life and it was an awesome moment for him. The medic was from 20th SF Group out of Florida.