Wounded war vet reunites with Vt. GI who saved him

[C-MAC]

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 was among those who gave him first aid, applying tourniquets that saved his life but couldn't save his legs.

On Saturday, 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, his mother-in-law. "He wanted to greet him so badly."

The July 2 blast about 20 miles from Bagram Air Base hit the last vehicle in a four-truck convoy, killing Specialist Ryan Grady, 25, who was behind the wheel, and maiming Matayka. Schwerer, who was in the lead vehicle, wasn't hurt.

Matayka, of Lee, N.H., lost both legs, suffered a spinal injury, fractures in his back and face, a broken jaw and a stroke that left him partially paralyzed on the left side.

(COMMENT: Read the whole article, but especially this quote further down;)

"Matayka, who called his wounds "a price I signed up for," said he remains focused on his recovery."

Where do such men of will, honor, grit, determination and love of country come from?(END COMMENT)

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/12/11/wo ... z17uBPZPHB" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[centermass]

For we are a band of Brothers.....

Good stuff.