Hero Firefighter and Army Reservist Surprised with $25,000 Gift at McNamara Charity Golf Outing

During the 2025 Annual McNamara Charity Golf Outing at Stonebridge Country Club, Long Island Selden Firefighter and Army Reservist Jay Matthews was surprised with a financial gift of over $32,000 to support his family and ease the crushing financial burden brought on by his son Jack’s life-threatening illness.

The Golf event also served as a kickoff of a continuing fundraising and support effort for the Matthews family. A special donation page has been set up by Paws of War for the Matthews family https://pawsofwar.donorsupport.co/page/MatthewsFamily. These donations will assist the family with ongoing, mounting medical bills.

Organized annually by Air Force veteran Chris McNamara, this year’s event was held in Smithtown. The event is known for its heartfelt mission: honoring veterans and first responders with meaningful, often life-changing acts of support. This year, funds were raised for Paws of War and the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. In addition, certain funds were raised to assist Jay Matthews, a dedicated public servant, loving father and quiet hero.

“Each year, we choose someone who exemplifies service and strength. Jay never asked for help. However, we know that he needs the support, and we are committed to helping local heroes like him,” said McNamara. “Our event is all about giving back to organizations and people who have always given of themselves.”

Matthews has spent his life in service of others. He started by joining the Selden Fire Department as a teen and later was deployed overseas with elite Army units. Now he is protecting the NYC as a firefighter with the FDNY. His wife Brittany, a nurse practitioner and former EMT, shares his commitment to service. Together, they are raising their two children Mckenna, 4, and Jack, 2 and at the same time facing unimaginable challenges.

Earlier this year, Jack was diagnosed with BCOR sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. While surgery removed the tumor, the road ahead is long and uncertain, filled with chemotherapy, potential amputation, and constant medical care. Brittany is on unpaid leave to care for Jack full-time, and Jay has cut back his work hours to support his family.

The Matthews’ story is one of resilience, love, and quiet heroism. The Matthews family has also received support for his dogs from Nesconset-based non-profit Paws of War. Their adopted dogs have been pillars of support during this crisis.

“Jay and Brittany have given so much to their community and their country, and now they are facing the hardest fight of their lives as parents. At Paws of War, we have seen firsthand the strength and compassion this family brings to everything they do. They even escorting rescue animals to the United States when they were on their honeymoon. Supporting them is the right thing to do and an honor,” said Robert Misseri, founder of Paws of War.