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Monmouth 16 Honors War Hero

Wednesday, 11 March 2009

Division 16, Monmouth began the St Patrick’s Day season by Horning 1st Lt Brian Brennan (506th Airborne) as their Irishman of the year and Division member Alex Burke as their Hibernian of the year at the “7th Annual Evening With The Irish” 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. 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. Because of these injuries, Brian will need lengthy therapy and special accommodations. The Brennan family home must be modified to accommodate Brian with a special bathroom, handicap ramps and a lower floor living area. Brian has been making great strikes towards his recovery. The Brennan Stands alone trust will continue to assist other servicemen and women with the “Stands Alone “ Trust Your help is needed in the way of donations, fund raisers, construction services and any other way you feel you can contribute. All donations can be sent to the Lt. Brian Brennan “Stands Alone” Trust, 10 Stratton Dr, Howell, NJ 07731. (www.brennanstandsalone.org )

“It was a great honor for our division to celebrate and recognize Brian and Alex. Division 16 will continue to support those that have severed and continue to serve our Country. It was truly a fine Evening with Irish”. Division President John Keane stated “ it is very important that we celebrate our heritage and honor those who continue to inspire the sprit and history of the Irish people” Entertainment from The Eamonn Ryan Band and the dancing of the wee ladies from the Warnock –Seery School of Irish dance left a lasting smile on the faces of all that should last well through the St Patrick’s Day season. Thank you to all that support Division 16.

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