A Wantagh serviceman who was injured during a tour of duty in Afghanistan was honored with an award Tuesday night.

Lance Cpl. Matias Ferreira received the Colonel David Woycik - Staff Sgt. Sam Cila Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes his service in helping Wounded Warriors.

Ferreira was on patrol in Afghanistan on January 21, 2011 when the bomb blast nearly took his life.

"The IED exploded beneath me and took both my legs below the knees," said Ferreira. "I dedicated the rest of my life to living for those who lost their lives and aren't here today and able to achieve what they wanted to."

Ferreira runs, climbs, dives and does everything he was capable of doing in the past, and even more. He is a member of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball team, touring the country to raise awareness about the wounded veterans.

Ferreira credits his family and his brother Marines with helping him overcome his injuries. He also does volunteer work with children who have lost limbs, teaching them to live life without limitations.

The veteran and his wife are expecting their first child, a girl, next Monday.