By Shelley Grieshop
sgrieshop@dailystandard.com Brian Bruns of Philothea is recuperating in a base hospital in Fort Hood, Texas, after being injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq a little more than a week ago.
The 19-year-old soldier and member of an Army engineering battalion, received shrapnel in his leg that tore through an artery, his mother, Cathy Bruns said today.
"Shrapnel went through the left inner knee and came out below the knee on the outer part of the leg," she says. "Brian came very close to death because of the damage to the artery."
Cathy Bruns says a quick response by medical personnel and a good blood supply kept him alive until the artery was repaired.
"They were very worried up front about saving his lower left leg," she says. "However, now the leg has a good pulse, good color and feeling. Brian was very blessed that his guardian angel was watching over him." Brian Bruns flew from a hospital in Germany to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland last Wednesday. His parents headed for the base hospital immediately and were able to spend four hours with their son.
"It was a real eye-opener to see all of the soldiers that came into there," Cathy Bruns adds.
Brian was wiped out from the long flight, she says. He had been strapped down at the knees and waist -- both places where staples were placed from injuries.
The 2003 Coldwater High School graduate was slated for additional surgery today at noon, his mother says. There is a possibility he could be sent home to further recover from his injuries.
"The outpouring of support has been unbelievable, we deeply appreciate everyone's prayers and concern," she adds.
Cards can be sent in care of Brian Bruns' parents who can forward them to him until he has a permanent address. The family's address is: 2796 Philothea Road, Fort Recovery, OH 45846. |
