Cranford Soldier Gets Local Support

VFW Post #335 has adopted a U.S. Army unit in Iraq, of which a Cranford native is a member.

Cranford High School graduate Kenneth Matz, 26,  is serving as a sergeant with the Second Battalion, 300 Field Artillery Unit, statoned just over the Iraqi border in Kuwait. This is his second tour in that war zone.

The group has sent over 100 pounds of socks, toiletries and other items to the unit in August and plans to ship out a similar package in about two weeks. This time, the group intends help soldiers and their families get in touch by including prepaid phone cards.

“We are very proud to help Matz’s unit in any way we can," said Mike Henehan, chairman of the group's Support the Troops program. "Ken’s unit has one of the most dangerous missions in the Iraqi theater as they provide combat escort for supply convoys throughout much of Iraq. They are the constant target of ambushes and roadside bombs left by the insurgents attempting to disrupt the supply lines of the Iraqi and US forces. Their job is vital and we simply can’t do enough for these courageous men and women."

Matz joined the army in 2003. 

“When [the September 11 attacks] occurred, from that moment on he wanted to join up,” said his mother Anne Matz. During his first tour in Iraq in 2007, he was with the 101^st Airborne as an infantry team leader, in Bayji, Iraq.  After two years in the reserves he found himself called back for service. 

“We are very proud of him and pray that the day comes soon when Kenny and all service people return home to their families,” said his mother. His father Kenneth, mother Anne, brother Timothy and sister Amy and her husband Christopher are all anxious for his return.

The VFW hopes that the citizens of Cranford will donate items, especially money and prepaid phone cards for the unit's shipment. People can drop off or mail their phone cards or checks for the purchase to the VFW Post Home at 470 South Ave E. in Cranford.  Checks may be made payable to VFW Post 335 “Support the Troops”.