Matthew Krumwiede
U.S. Army Sgt. (Ret.)
On June 12, 2012, in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan, team leader, U.S. Army Sergeant Matthew Krumwiede, was leading a squad size foot patrol to check on their Afghan National Army counterparts. During their patrol, the enemy engaged the group, forcing Matthew to search and set up a secure position for his team. Unfortunately, while setting up, Matthew stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee, and multiple injuries to his left arm, hand, and abdomen. He survived thanks to the skill of his medic, team, and a swift helicopter medevac.
Days later, Matthew found himself at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, spending the next three months in both the trauma and burn ICUs. With the support of his family and physical trainers, Matthew was able to bounce back, learning how to walk and run again.
Matthew was born in Kansas but later moved to Idaho with his family soon after. He grew up with two brothers and was active playing lacrosse, snowboarding, and participating in the Boy Scouts. Following high school, Matthew enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Matthew was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and enjoyed the camaraderie that came with being in the Army. While serving, Matthew received the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, and other medals.
After retiring in September 2015, Matthew moved back to Pocatello, Idaho, where he continued his desire to be outside and active in his community. He has worked on a ranch, driven semi-trucks, and worked as a fire lookout for the Forest Service. Currently, Matthew works on a committee to help start a Boys and Girls Club in Pocatello. As Matthew re-gains his independence, he advocates for others like him through his passion for extreme adaptive sports. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, kayaking, skiing, and mountain biking. The Gary Sinise Foundation looks forward to building Matthew a specially adapted smart home to ease his daily struggles and mobility needs around the house.