DIRECTOR’S SON WIA IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

(Pineville, LA, March 13, 2007) Private Vincent Mannion, son of Director Jeff Brodeur and Maura Brodeur was critically wounded in action near the IRAQI city of TIKRIT March 11 (IRAQ time). Private Mannion is a member of Company B, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, one of the units in the recent “surge” to secure BAGHDAD. His unit was attached to TASK FORCE LIGHTNING, the Stryker Brigade Combat Team from the 25th Infantry Division in which Director Brodeur himself once served.

Private Mannion’s squad was clearing a house when the house was blown up by the enemy as they fled. One man was killed, and two were wounded, including Private Mannion. Both WIA were evacuated to a Coalition Medical Treatment Facility. Private Mannion suffered extensive head, shoulder and arm wounds, was stabilized and evacuated. He is arriving at the Bethesda Naval Hospital this evening, March 13, and is listed in critical condition. The second wounded soldier was treated and not evacuated.

A phrase of the 82d All-American Division battle song, the division of Sergeant Alvin York, MOH, of WWI fame, and of James Gavin, Matt Ridgeway, and scores of other famous champions of freedom since declares that we’re all-Americans and proud to be guardians of our Nation’s liberty.

Thank you, Jeff and Maura, and thank you Vincent. We all pray that God will mend you well.

Louis T Dechert
National President, KWVA/US
Chairman of the Board

(Posted 3/13/07)