WELCOME
Welcome to the Edward S. Matayka Trust Fund Official Site. The Edward Matayka saga tragically began on July 2, 2010 in Afghanistan. On that fateful day, Sgt. Ed almost lost his life as his patrol vehicle was blown up by an improvised explosive device (IED). His driver, Ryan Grady, was immediately killed and four soldiers were wounded to varying degrees. Sgt. Ed, the patrol's combat medic, was the most severely wounded, nearly dying at the scene, except for the 1st aid skills of a young soldier, David Schwerer.
Sgt. Ed had catastrophic injuries including the loss of both feet, fractured back, broken jaw, liver damage, and a major stroke. His survival hopes were dim. His wife Karen, deployed with the same unit, was at his side almost immediately. She took some time to cry, but did not give up on Ed. She knew her husband well. She wouldn't let Eddie or herself give up.
Soon, the doctors determined Ed would have to loose his legs much higher - one through the knee and one above the knee. A plate was put in his jaw. His back fracture did not heal on it's own so major surgery was needed to reinforce the spine with screws and titanium bars. The effects of the stroke linger. Ed struggles to use the left side of his body and his regular functions... do not.
Many physical issues remain. Ed is currently being treated at the San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. The specialized unit is called The Center for the Intrepid. Ed faces many years of rehab, though his recovery to this point has been miraculous. He and Karen are looking forward to some day leaving The Center and going home. They want to find routine home and family life either in their current home after much remodeling or in a new home. Whatever their dreams, they will need much financial help.
Knowing the challenges Ed will be facing, the Matayka Family announced the establishment of the Trust on April 20, 2012.
