Legion helps make UTV donation to wounded warrior

Nearly nine years ago, U.S. Army Capt. Brian Brennan was leading a patrol in Afghanistan when he became the victim of an IED attack. Brennan lost both of his legs.

Last Saturday at American Legion Post 162 in Lorton, Va., the wounded warrior received keys to a utility task vehicle (UTV) as an appreciation for his service and sacrifice.

The UTV donation was from a private donor who wanted to thank a servicemember, and American Legion Post 162 and Post 2001 in Ashburn, Va., helped make the honorable donation a success.

“Words can’t express the amount of gratitude I have toward (the donor), toward Tony (Husen), toward The American Legion, toward everyone involved to make this happen,” Brennan said. “It reinforces one of the Army values of never leave a fallen comrade behind.”

Post 2001 contacted American Legion service officer Tony Husen about the private donor’s UTV donation and the need to identify a wounded warrior to be the recipient of it. Husen, a member of Post 162, works with Brennan and knew he would be appreciative of the vehicle and utilize it on a daily basis.

Brennan said that he and his service dog, Rocky, are going to get “plenty of use” out of the UTV. “It’s going to make things a lot easier. (Words) couldn’t even do it justice for the generosity and the hard work that went into this (donation). I am eternally grateful.”

Post 162 Commander Dave Wallace said there was “a ton of moving parts” to make the donation happen, including communication and coordination between both Legion posts, but “The American Legion has been behind it completely. This is what The American Legion is about. We are here to continue service, not just for the wounded warriors but also for our veterans as a whole.

“This is just one aspect that shows what The American Legion can do for our veterans.”

Post 162 presented Brennan with an American Legion membership, which he said will allow him to continue serving. "It's helping other soldiers out and helping other people out that gives me satisfaction," Brennan said. "I"m still serving in that manner."