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.

FMI: www.brennanstandsalone.org, www.bsaircraft.com