Maybe not for you guys, but this one comes with a hankie warning for me anyway. Nah, who am I kidding, even if you have a Grinch pre-whoville 2 sizes too small heart, this one will choke you up.
Video up after the jump, since it plays automatically.
Watch CBS Videos Online
Brian Brennan is a fellow alumnus of The Citadel, and a brother of mine, in arms if not in blood. He is a recipient of the Arland D. Williams Award, and a true American Hero.
I just feel so humbled by men like Brian.
H/t to Hawkeye and the VA
Dang it TSO. Hankie alert my fanny. I boo hooed like a baby on this one. What a remarkable man! The kind of man I’d like to meet one day.
The air quality in my office sucks today…damn dust.
Dammit – I don’t let myself cry and got a tear with this one. Thank you for sharing!
Tremendous story of the fighting spirit of our young Men and Women in the Armed Forces. Thanks TSO for the hanky alert, but it didn’t work.
Allergy season in SoDak is pretty serious this afternoon.
Its just so beautiful to be reminded of what love looks like fleshed out, ya know?
I sure hope we will be saying:
Hello President Petreaus some day
🙂
TSO,
Thanks. Out of 21 years in the US Army I spent 10 in the 101st. But I am most proud of the two years I spent in the 506th, especially being a part of its reactivation as part of the 101st. I am not ashamed to say I wept like a baby when I heard GEN Petraeus say “Currahee.” Somehow I knew that was the unit.
Although 2006 was the hardest year of my life, it is also the one most near to my heart. I am honored to be able to associate myself with the finest Soldiers I ever served with as well as the history of that great unit.
The hardest part of being retired was watching my Soldiers into harms way again without me.
God Bless this young LT, his Family and the rest of the 506th!
CURRAHEE!!!!
Now that’s special, just wonderful. God bless you, brave one.
Oh wow. blurry screen…
Inspired and humbled once again.
Damn. Goose bumps, goose bumps. Tears.
Must be smoke somewhere… or dust… or pollen.
I am not worthy.
Brian Brennan – if you’re reading this – simply: Thanks.
I’m of two minds here. Yes i cried.The strength of this man, his family, his friends and his Brothers, is humbling. Yet when I see how this country is turning away from such principled and valorous people, I wonder if America deserves such men. How in God’s name did we let our political structure become so corrupted? How did we allow people like Obama become our leaders? When men and women , like Brian Brennan, exist in this sad and confusing country , I have to wonder if we truly deserve such people. These people are the exact opposite of todays American culture. I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to follow the Lt. through the gates of hell. I would think twice of allowing our congress to order lunch.
Brian. Courage is not a thing that is spoken it is lived. Wow. This is a thing of the spirit. I am proud of my country. It produces men like Brian and President Petraeus.
Very, very inspiring. Thank you for this post. I’m speechless!!
Steve
COMMON CENTS
http://www.commoncts.blogspot.com
ps. Can I post on COMMON CENTS? Email me…
All,
The story is absolutely amazing and one that I completely understand why all the Airborne brothers feel it extra close to their heart. No denying that whatsoever. I truly consider him a brother-in-arms.
However, I do have a question that may sound like I’m a bit of a chap-ass, so I’ll give a preemptive apology. But, why was he inducted in the NJ Hall of Fame and why was he inducted into the Citadel’s Arland D. Williams Society? I’ve lost a lot of brothers due to IED’s who have had very similar experience as Lt. Brennan but unfortunately did not make such a wonderful and tearjearking recovery.
I ask because the Arland Williams Society is to “recognize Citadel graduates who have distinguished themselves through community service, heroism and bravery in their lives. The society is named for Arland D. Williams, Citadel Class of 1957, who died on Jan. 13, 1982 in the icy waters of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Williams is credited with saving five fellow passengers aboard Air Florida Flight 90 after it crashed into the 14th Street Bridge. Rather than take a life ring to save himself, he passed it on to five fellow passengers. He drowned before he could be rescued.”
Again, I do not see the “community service, heroism and bravery” that he performed beyond that of any of his fellow combat soldiers or the fellow Marines that I served with or even an act that is in the spirit of Arland Williams who sacrificed his life to save others. I’ve tried to find out if there is a story or reason, beyond being injured and making a very inspirational recovery, but I haven’t found it.
If his mother and father yelled “ice cream!” because that was his favorite food, rather than the General saying “Curahee”, would he still be recognized as he has been? Is the recognition simply because he responded to his brotherhood’s motto? In front of the General? Is he more deserving of this recognition than a soldier or Marine who was in a coma but awoke because he saw his wife, or child, or heard his favorite song, or anything else?
Yes, he is a hero. Yes, he deserves praise and civilian gratitude or serving and sacrificing. But I just don’t see what he has done, beyond that of any soldier or Marine who has served his country bravely, to be deserving of being inducted in the Arland D. Williams Society or the NJ Hall of Fame. To me, and I hate to say this, it lowers the bar and cheapens the sacrifice of Arland Williams, and those who are truly deserving of such recognition.
Apologies for being Mr. Chappy, but I’m just being honest. One last note, this is one of those “family” conversations I’m having here amongst brothers who have served. I feel I can raise theses type of issues in places like here and blackfive, but would never do in a general population forum.
Chris
Maybe allergies causing sniffles…
Hello to Jonn, TSO, Rurik et al. Been a while. Missed you all.
Holy shi’ite! Denis! Long time no see. We were talking at Milblog convention about how much we missed you bud.
I don’t think of my service much. I joined to shoot guns, see the world, have an income, and do for my country. My right wing living and upbringing said to give back to, and serve your country and her people.
Soldiers like the LT make me rethink why I do it……
…to serve with pride, among men of Honor.
Barrage MoveOn.org with this word.
Barrage their members with it.
They should be shamed at every opportunity.
Missed you too, TSO. Oddly enough, especially at night….
Currahee:
Makes me want to watch “BAND OF BROTHERS” again.
A hero in every sense of the word.
Chris
I think in a way you’re illustrating the gap in perception between those who served and those who didn’t. Those of us who did have a different view of what’s common or uncommon, being surrounded by thousands of others doing exactly what we did as best as we could, among them are a handful of whom we are in awe. Since a huge percentage of people I know are GWoT vets or related to GWoT vets, to me that’s “common”.
What’s the percentage of Americans who are Iraq/Afghanistan vets? One tenth of one percent? Lower? It’s a large number, but a small percent. So 99.9 percent of Americans look at the minority, wonder if they’d have the “courage” to do what we did, and respond in various ways. To them, stepping on the plane bound for the battlefield is a noteworthy action. We complain about how freaking crowded the planes were.
Thank you for this.
Semper Fi.
Awesome story of love, courage, sacrifice and miracles!
Greyhawk,
Completely understand your point, however, misses my question. If this was some mothers of America award given to him for being such a brave man who served his country, I wouldn’t have a second thought. I’ve seen plenty of awards given to soldiers and Marines who have been bashful to receive such awards due to the fact that they believe they are not worthy of such recognition when compared to their brethren. However, they end up participating in the award ceremony, because they understand that by participating, it helps the general population understand the broader sacrifice that the military is making in general. When non-military type organizations, secondary schools, elk clubs, my grandmother’s knitting circle, recognize soldiers and Marines for various things, I think the combat brother should be obliged to participate, because the group is trying to do what they can to recognize, and that in itself is a good thing.
However, when a state has to decide who goes into their Hall of Fame, and when the Citadel, a very respected institution with its deep military roots, recognizes men like Lt. Brennan, that’s when I throw the BS flag, not because of the Lt., but because I simply ask “Why?”. And when asked, I seem to get hesitated answers that ultimately boils down to: “he moved when the General said Curahee!” Really? Since when is that worthy of the Hall of Fame? I didn’t know Arland Williams’ sacrificing his own life to save 50 civilians was comparable to finding a coma patient’s secret password.
In comparison, David Bellavia, whom we all know and love, has also received awards, been recognized in various forums, and has been inducted in the NY Hall of Fame. When you ask “Why?”, there is no hesitation to answer. Don’t need to even list why, you all know why. Yes, I know it’s a different state, but that’s beyond the point. What else does the Lt’s induction do other than lower the significance of David’s and other inductee’s induction?
And what about the other soldiers in his vehicle. They experienced exactly what the Lt experienced, but they died. Will the parents and/or wifes of those men get plaques to remember the loved ones they lost? Will they be inducted into their respective state’s Hall of Fame? Of course not, because there really wasn’t anything that they did, when compared to others in uniform, that is above and beyond the call of duty. But the Lt gets a wonderful TV report, blogs that write about him, and more items to fill up his “I love me” wall at home. Only because the General uttered his brain’s password to wake him from his slumber. I mean for goodness sake, why doesn’t the General get the award? He’s the one that said Curahee.
Again, the Lt is my brother, and I respect him for who he is, a soldier. I do not mean to make light of his injuries, his situation, and his sacrifice. His story is inspirational, and I understand why soldiers this story is so beloved. But I can’t shake the questions of “Why?”. Why him when his brothers in the same vehicle died. Why him when sacrifices like this have been made for the last 6 years? Why him when the man the society was named after, died to save others? Why him, when the point of a Hall of Fame is to recognize sacrifices above and beyond the call of duty?
My apologies for being Mr. Chappy, but personally, if I were the young Lt, I would have refused to participate in such award ceremonies.
Chris
I think the idea was he is emblematic of the never give in fighting attitude. If you watch his speech before the NJ Hall of Fame he specifically stated just about what you are saying, and went on to say that he was thus only accepting on behalf of all of them.
Well, Chris . . . you were NOT the young Lieutenant. TSO got it exactly right. Brian specifically accepted on behalf of all of them.
Putting your life on the line — which Brian and all of them did by just being there – is a tough business. I suspect you’ll likely never have to worry about it. Maybe it’s something you are simply incapable of really understanding.
Otherwise, why would you go on a website like this one and try to undercut the basis for an honor bestowed by the state on a young man whose sacrifice will dwarf anything most people will ever do. That ongoing sacrifice will be with him for the rest of his days.
How small can you be?
Trochilus,
Apparently you didn’t read my first post, because as I have stated numerous times, I respect the Lt, and I’m asking a “family” question amongst other brothers who’ve served.
I have served in Iraq during some of the most darkest of days, and I have lost many of my brothers due to injuries like the Lt Brennan suffered. Next time, before you make accusations, read.
The only reason that I can come up with that you’ve decided to respond in such manner is that you didn’t read my post thoroughly, or you’ve never served in the military and think that any response other than an outright fawning for any soldier who decided to get on a plane and go in country, regardless of MOS or what he actually did, is heretical.
You say: “That ongoing sacrifice will be with him for the rest of his days.” My response is, Do you think the parents of the soldiers in the vehicle with him who did not survive DO NOT suffer more than the LT does? More than the parents of the LT do? Why is his sacrifice more so than that of his vehicle passengers who gave the ultimate sacrifice? Is it because he woke up when the General said Curahee? If I walked into a Marines room and said “Semper Fi” and he woke up, would he be awarded with the same awards that the Lt has? If the answer is yes, why is how a combat soldier or Marine wakes up, the basis of why he gets an award? And if the answer is no, then again, my question is why him and not others?
TSO’s answer is: “the idea was he is emblematic of the never give in fighting attitude”. My question is why recognize those who are emblematic, when there are many who are the heroes that others are emblematic towards? The list goes on and on of Marines and soldiers who have risked their lives and died fighting for their country and brothers, but they won’t get tearjearking CBS stories. Why honor those who “represent” sacrifice, and not honor those who HAVE sacrificed?
And why do you attack me when I raise the question of “Why?” Is that something I shouldn’t do amongst veterans? Amongst brothers? Is it wrong as I watch veterans who deserve of such praise get passed over, and watch a young Lt, who served his country, but is essentially being honored for waking up from a coma in a special way, and I’m being chastised because I’ve met enough families who’ve lost their son or husband, while doing braver acts than driving a humvee and being blown up?
I’m sorry, but my brothers never received this type of treatment, and died a much more tragic death than that of just an IED to the vehicle. I’m not suggested that they all receive honors like Lt Brennan, I’m only asking why Lt Brennan does, and not my Marines.
And I’m sick of tired of constantly putting up this disclaimer, but because people like Trochilus, I have to restate, that I, in no way, mean to make light of Lt Brennan’s sacrifice or situation, but mean to try to put it in perspective. Yes he’s a great American, yes he’s a hero for serving his country, but as most of you know, that’s just the civilian lipservice that I grow tired of and its nauseating that I have to constantly reassure people like Trochilus, when I want to ask, what I perceive a valid question. Otherwise, why bother coming to forums such as this if I can’t talk amongst brothers in a real manner. Unfortunately, Trochilus doesn’t understand this. So either go read before you respond, or go polish that yellow ribbon you have on your car and convince yourself that you support the troops because you spent 5.99 on a magnet.
Chris
Trochilus,
One more thing, according to you and your criteria of who deserves praise, Jon Soltz from VoteVets deserves your fawning as well because like Lt Brennan, “Putting your life on the line — Brian and all of them did by just being there- is a tough business.”
Call me whatever you want, but my criteria of whether I call you a hero requires more than “just being there”. Maybe it’s because I did more than “just being there”. I carried out my missions, and protected my Marines and the Iraqis to the best of my abilities. That doesn’t make me a hero, it just makes me a Marine.
Chris
Perfect.
*sniff* What a man!
I’m in awe, that’s all I can say at this time.
This was absolutely beautiful. Thank you Brian for being an inspiration and for defending my country, my freedom, and my family. You are truly remarkable.
Jonn,
LT. Brennan is the personification of honor and bravery. HOOAH!
Note to Chris:
After reading your comments: You’re the kind of individual that enters a gathering and throws a turd in the punchbowl, because that’s the kinda guy you are.
When you say shit like this:
“Again, I do not see the “community service, heroism and bravery” that he performed beyond that of any of his fellow combat Soldiers or the fellow Marines that I served with or even an act that is in the spirit of Arland Williams who sacrificed his life to save others. I’ve tried to find out if there is a story or reason, beyond being injured and making a very inspirational recovery, but I haven’t found it.”
It proves you just don’t get it. Here’s a clue: Take LT Brennan’s story for what it is: A Sodier’s courage triumphing over hellish adversity, and being recoginized for it. If you always have to accompany your comments with a ‘disclaimer’ than kindly stay the fuck off of these threads.
SFC Cheryl McElroy
US ARMY (RET)
Iraq War Veteran (101st Airborne Division)
Typo: Sodier’s=Soldier’s
AMAZING! And yes I cried.