Brian Brennan Survived IED Explosion, Now Inspiring Others
By Mike Gallagher
Every war veteran has a story, but U.S. Army Capt. Brian
Brennan's has been making headlines ever since his Humvee exploded
in Afghanistan and the 23-year-old was left fighting for his life.
It's a story that B&S Aircraft wants others to hear and
celebrate during this year's "Salute to Veterans" at
AirVenture.
Capt. Brian Brennan
"We couldn't think of a better way to honor Brian than to let
him use this year's show as a platform to share his courageous and
inspiring story with others," said David Copeland, manager of
program development for B&S Aircraft. "His last two years of
selfless service and pure determination can be an inspiration to us
all."
On May 7, 2008, after only two months in Afghanistan, the
Howell, N.J. native was leading a patrol with three other soldiers
and a civilian when an IED exploded under his Humvee. Brennan and
his gunner were the only two survivors. They were both thrown 40
feet from the vehicle. Found in cardiac arrest, Brennan was quickly
transferred to a field hospital where it was discovered he had
sustained a traumatic brain injury, a collapsed lung, internal
bleeding, a ruptured spleen, multiple compound fractures in his
left arm and a shattered femur. Within hours, both legs were
amputated. "We got the telephone call no parent ever wants to get,"
said Joanne Brennan, Brian's mother. "For weeks we watched as Brian
underwent surgery after surgery but we didn't know if and when
Brian would regain consciousness. To this day, we are so grateful
for all the battle buddies, field medics, rescue pilots, nurses and
doctors that saved our son's life. We are also forever in debt to
General Petraeus for Brian's awakening and return to us."
Brennan was unresponsive for 23 days until he received a visit
from Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan.
After visiting and thanking Brian's family for his sacrifice, Gen.
Petraeus tried to wake up Brennan by uttering the word "Currahee"
(the motto of Brennan's unit, 101st Airborne) which means, "stands
alone." It seemed like Brian had heard him, so on the count of
three, he shouted "Currahee" again. Upon hearing those words,
Brennan attempted to sit up to attention - his first form of
communication since the explosion.
The Brennan's appreciated the many different organizations
offering support to wounded veterans and their families but soon
saw a void. That void occurs when family members need to be by the
bedside of their wounded. This leaves many without an income and a
means to pay a mortgage, college tuition for children or even daily
necessities. "Every penny we raise goes to the families," said
Joanne Brennan about the Brennan Foundation.
NTSB Prelim: Piper PA-23
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