12 December 2010

Wounded medic greets fellow Soldier who saved him in Afghanistan at unit's homecoming


Sgt. Ed Matayka, right, shakes hands with Spc. David Schwerer, left, who saved Matayka's life after an explosive device detonated in Afghanistan. The two reunited for the first time since the incident as 160 Vermont National guardsmen returned home finishing their tour of duty in Afghanistan, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, in South Burlington, Vt. Photo: AP, Alden Pellett.


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

In a follow up to an earlier story, Sgt. Ed Matayka got his wish at the homecoming of his fellow Vermont National Guard Soldiers on Saturday.

Sgt. Matayka was injured by a roadside bomb back in July. He lost both legs, fractured his back and suffered a stroke that rendered the left side of his body paralyzed.

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