On his fourth deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom, Sergeant (Sgt) Israel Matos and his team were standing guard on a bridge. It was an unusually quiet day in an area that is normally busy. While talking with a local elder about the elder’s arthritis in a group including a corpsman and linguist, Sgt Matos noticed the older gentleman increased nervousness. Sgt Matos then looked over at two of his Marines standing watch on a bridge checkpoint, who were approached by a motorcyclist crossing through the checkpoint; the motorcycle driver became panicky and he departed. Immediately after, Sgt Matos saw a ten year old boy crossing the bridge with a donkey, with a new satchel; he immediately pushed all his Marines, including the corpsman and linguist, to cover in dirt holes.
A 140 pound bomb in the donkey’s satchel ignited, killing the donkey along with the ten year old suicide bomber. Sgt Matos, being the last to enter the “fighting hole” took shrapnel through his right knee, which fractured his tibia. Luckily, Sgt Matos saw all the signals pointing to a potential bomb, and took action. When recognized for his heroism, he humbly said, “I was just protecting my Marines.” Devoted to staying in the US Marine Corps, Sgt Matos will continue his almost seven year career because he “love[s] this job.”
Sgt Matos is glad war medicine has advanced: “If [I] would have had this wound five years ago, [I] would have lost [my] leg.” He has had a few surgeries since the event, his muscles have atrophied, but he is on his way to recovery.
The Furnishing Hope team had a fun morning with the Matos Family, as the family was surprised with every new piece of furniture or accessory the team brought in to the small apartment. Terisa Matos, Sgt Matos’ wife, is used to surprises, since Sgt Matos proposed to her over a “sat” phone or satellite phone when Sgt Matos was previously deployed, and sent her an engagement ring in the mail. Terisa was also surprised with Sgt Matos’ injury, and relieved he is alive; everyone is thankful he saw those red flags and acted on them.
Furnishing Hope is grateful for the support from Living Spaces and BECCA Swim to help in providing Sgt Matos, a San Diego wounded warrior, a more comfortable place to heal.
Learn more about Furnishing Hope’s work with the Matos family here.
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