ABOUT 1st Lt. BRIAN BRENNAN

US Army 1st Lt. Brian Brennan, a 23 year old Howell resident and graduate of Howell High School and The Citadel, was severely injured on May 7, 2008 from an IED attack, while leading a patrol in Afghanistan.

Brian had been in Afghanistan for only two months when an IED exploded under the Humvee that he and four other men were traveling in. Brian and the gunner, Spc. Ryan Price of California, were the only ones to survive. However, they suffered similar fates.

Brian was found in cardiac arrest. If not for the quick response of his fellow soldiers, Brian’s story might have a different ending.

Brian was transferred to a field hospital, where it was found that he had sustained an acute brain injury, a collapsed lung, internal bleeding, a ruptured spleen, multiple compound fractures of his left arm, and a shattered femur bone. In addition, both of Brian’s legs had to be amputated. It is truly a miracle that Brian survived his injuries.

At home, Brian’s parents, Jim and Joanne, received a telephone call that would change their lives forever. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions in Afghanistan, and despite the Army’s best efforts, information regarding Brian’s condition was difficult to obtain at times.

On Mother’s Day, May 11, 2008, Brian was flown from Afghanistan to Germany and then to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. There his parents; brothers, Jimmy and Jasen; and sister, Kerri, remained at his side. For several weeks Brian remained semi-conscious and underwent multiple surgeries to keep infection away from his legs and to repair his broken bones.

Once Brian regained consciousness he was transferred to James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida, which specializes in traumatic brain injuries, to begin his rehabilitation. Brian was fitted with prosthetics and is currently re-learning to walk. Brian has made remarkable strides in his recovery due to his determination and positive attitude, but he has a long rehabilitative process ahead of him.

Joanne, Jim and their family have made enormous sacrifices and have dedicated their lives to Brian’s recovery. All inquiries can be made to the following:

Teresa & Bill Smith

(732) 363-5304

Lynn & Dan Daly

(732) 458-3147

Colleen & Chet Popek

(732) 364-6465