Soldiers honor veteran who donates organs to save two veterans’ lives

A veteran with family ties to Pueblo saved two veterans through the donation of his organs at a hospital in Texas.

Staff Sgt. Matt Whalen suffered from a stroke days before Christmas. His wife said the pain of losing him is tough, but she finds some comfort in knowing that even in his final hours, he served other people.

“Parts of Matt’s soul are going to be everywhere. You know? And that makes me happy that he is still serving even after he died,” said wife Hannah Gradisar.

As doctors wheeled Whalen into surgery to recover his organs, fellow veterans lined the hallways and honored him as he passed. A nurse captured it on video. Whalen’s comrade posted it on Facebook and it’s been viewed almost 10 million times.

“He fully deserved that recognition. For everything he has fought for and the things he struggled through,” said Gradisar.

Shortly before surgery, Whalen’s family and friends found out his organs would go to two veterans. The news has brought the family some relief during this difficult time.

“I think there was no better way for him to go. In his death, be giving to others. That’s what Matt was all about,” said Gradisar.

Gradisar was helping move Whalen up to Pueblo from Texas when he collapsed. Whalen was moving to Colorado to be closer to their daughter Sadie.

“Matt was your typical infantry man, big tough guy with his beard and all that but Sadie was just the love of his life. He was so careful about how he braided her hair and put it in pigtails,” said Gradisar.

He left behind four children and Gradisar to Whalen, his children were everything. Gradisar said it’s been challenging to tell their thre-year-old Sadie about what’s happened.

“Sometimes I don’t know what to say. No one gives you a handbook on that, you know?” said Gradisar.

Gradisar said the ‘second love of his life’ was the army.Whalen was deployed four times. In the days since his death, soldiers have remembered him as an incredible leader, mentor and friend.

“It was heart breaking. He is 35 and just like that…gone,” said Gradisar.

“He would give so much to others at his own expense. And in a way it was so fitting that that is how he went. Even in his death, he gave something to a total stranger. And he has done that in life also,” said Gradisar.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money to support the family Whalen leaves behind.