Howell greets recovering soldier

ERIC SUCAR staff Crowds of well-wishers line up at the Southard Fire Department substation on Maxim-Southard Road, Howell, to welcome home U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brian Brennan on Sept. 19. Brennan was injured in March while serving in Afghanistan and was just released from a veterans hospital in Florida. Through the small opening of a limousine window, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brian Brennan greeted a crowd of people at the Southard Fire Department substation on Maxim-Southard Road in Howell with open arms.

The wounded soldier said, "Everybody come here," as he gestured for supporters to meet him with hugs and good wishes.

With the help of a family member, Brennan exited the vehicle, moving with a cane and his new prosthetic legs, but flashing a triumphant smile as if to say, "I am not broken, I'm still here."

A caravan of residents, law enforcement personnel, fire companies and emergency service units from Howell and neighboring towns gathered on Sept. 19 to pay tribute to a man they consider to be a hero.

Earlier that day Brennan, a resident of Howell, was released from a veterans hospital in Florida and flew to Newark Liberty International Airport. From there he was escorted home to Howell by a motorcade.

PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brian Brennan smiles as he arrives in Howell after months spent recuperating from injuries sustained in a bomb blast in Afghanistan. People of all ages (above right) were on hand to welcome Brennan back to his hometown. Helping to organize the welcoming reception were Susan and Stan Brzozowski, Lynn and Dan Daly, Barbara and Dave Heiser, Colleen and Chester Popek and Teresa and Bill Smith.

According to Stan Brzozowski, the homecoming celebration for Brennan was an effort to "thank him, pay him back and show him respect."

Brennan, 23, a graduate of Howell High School and The Citadel, was critically injured while on a mission with the 2nd Platoon D Company, 506th Infantry Division, 101st Airborne, patrolling villages in Afghanistan.

According to information provided by his family, on March 20 an improvised explosive device hit the Humvee he was riding in, hurling Brennan and the driver, Spc. Ryan Price of California, a distance of 40 feet in separate directions.

Brennan and Ryan survived, but a second explosion killed three soldiers who were riding in the back of the Humvee.

Brennan sustained injuries to his brain and other organs and eventually lost both legs. He was initially treated in Afghanistan before being transported to Germany, and then to Washington, D.C. The final stop on his journey was the James A. Haley Veterans Administration Hospital in Tampa, Fla.

Brennan's escort from Newark included representatives of the Howell Police Department, six Howell fire departments, the Howell First Aid Squad, the New Jersey State Police, the Little Silver Fire Department, the Red Bank Fire Department, the Spring Lake Fire Department, the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, The Blue Knights, Patriot Guard Riders and Long Branch Harley.

According to Stan Brzozowski, "This event started out really small and then snowballed into something bigger. Everyone wanted to pay tribute to Brian. He has made the ultimate sacrifice."

Brian's father, Jim, told Greater Media Newspapers he was overwhelmed by all of the support and honor displayed by the community.

"This puts back faith in humanity," Brennan said. "I can't even comprehend it. It's quite overwhelming."

Brian's mother, Joanne, expressed her gratitude to everyone in a tear-filled moment at the welcome home celebration.

"Thank you all for showing up and supporting our family. Not only are we blessed to have Brian, and his recovery, but we are so blessed to have friends," she said.

Mayor Joseph DiBella, who spoke at the welcome home rally, said, "Today I received a call from John McCain's office. They extended a greeting saying, 'As a fellow veteran, he (McCain) stands with you (Brian).' "

DiBella presented Brennan with an award honoring his bravery, heroism and patriotism.

The Township Council declared Sept. 19 to be recorded as "1st Lt. Brian Brennan Day."

Brennan has been granted 30 days of convalescent leave by the Army and will be spending 23 days at home.

According to Jim Brennan, "Brian doesn't feel he needs all 30 days. Instead he will take a 23-day convalescent leave and has a tentative date to return to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 13."

During his time at home, Brennan will be attending local events to be held in his honor.

According to information provided by event organizers, on Sept. 20 Brennan was honored at the Howell Pop Warner youth football field and attended a family and friends get-together at the Elks Club.

On Oct. 3 there will be a parade in Brennan's honor. The parade will run from Main Street in Farmingdale to Howell High School, Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, where Brennan, who played football for the Rebels, will be honored at that evening's football game.

According to information provided by organizers, Howell High School students have started fundraising events and will kick off a T-shirt fundraiser for the Stands Alone trust fund.

Plans are also in the works for a 1,000- square-foot addition to be constructed at the Brennans' Howell home to accommodate Brian.

According to Jack McNaboe of Manalapan, a former private contractor who volunteered to help build the addition, "I along with a group of volunteers will be adding a 1,000- square-foot apartment. The apartment will include a living room, a bedroom, accessible bathroom, a kitchenette and a laundry center."

For further information about fundraising efforts, the Stands Alone trust fund, or to donate materials for the construction of the addition, contact Teresa and Bill Smith, 732-363-5304; Lynn and Dan Daly, 732- 458-3147; Colleen and Chester Popek, 732-364-6465; or Barbara and Dave Heiser, 732-840- 2178.