Army Sergeant Chase Matthews was deployed to Iraq in March 2007 when he lost both of his legs as a result of an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion. SGT Matthews, a 19K tanker with the 2-123 Armor Kentucky Army National Guard, was driving an up-armored HMMWV in the vicinity of Taji, Iraq, when an IED detonated directly beneath the vehicle.
Critically wounded, Chase tried to evacuate the vehicle but was unable to do so. After being pulled to safety by his commander, and during an ambush, SGT Matthews was airlifted to a field hospital. Later transferred to Landstuhl, Germany and eventually to Walter Reed, Chase began treatment for his injuries which in addition to his bilateral amputations included severe wrist and forearm injuries on his left side as well as inhalation burns.
Chase’s hobbies include hunting and golfing. Loves spending time with his wife, Jennifer. Daughter and son in law, Sarah and Shane Burns. Then there is our son, Owen Matthews who we enjoyed every moment with. Until he ultimately beat cancer and moved onto Heaven on November 4, 2020.
Patriots Honor is proud to support Chase and, through our fundraising efforts, was honored to provide him with a new golf simulator. Living in Kentucky, winter conditions can make playing outdoors difficult, but with simulator technology—and support from Foresight Sports—Chase can now enjoy golf year-round and play courses from around the world from home. We’re grateful to play a small part in helping him stay active and connected to the game he loves.