February 1, 2008 Family of injured veteran takes on U.S. military Play video

(NECN) - Army Private Vincent Mannion was 19-years-old when he went to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne. He'd been there just three-and-a-half weeks when a house loaded with explosives collapsed on top of him.

It was in March of 2007 when the tragedy happened -- Mannion was flown to a hospital in Bahlad -- with two major blood clots in his brain, shrapnel lodged in his chest and his arm was hanging by a thread.

But, Vincent had another wound that wasn't as easy to see. When the building exploded, his head ricocheted inside his helmet and he had a traumatic brain injury...and it was severe.

He had to have his cranium re-attached and his speech is now minimal and slow. He has to relearn his body and his life.

Early on, Vincent was treated at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Trying to stay close, the family stayed in a cramped studio apartment for months. Mannion's sister spent so much time there, she lost her job in Massachusetts. Worry consumed the family and many nights were sleepless.

A few months later, the military told the Brodeurs that Vincent would be transferred to Tampa, Florida for long-term care. The Polytrauma Center is one of only four veterans facilities in the country able to handle his level of injury. But, the family wanted Vincent in Boston.

Eventually, the Department of Defense agreed and Vincent is the first New England soldier to win approval for private hospital care for severe TBI.

The Brodeurs credit Spaulding

NECN health and science reporter Ally Donnelly tells the story of his family's struggle to make sure his sacrifice was not in vain.