Local soldier critically injured in Iraq (Michael Brown)

GRANTS and SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - Army Pfc. Michael Brown, 20, of Grants, was badly injured while on military duty in Iraq Saturday, Sept. 16.

He is currently at a military hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

Michael's father, retired Grants police officer Richard Brown, said Michael and three other soldiers were in the lead vehicle, acting as “point” for a military team somewhere in Iraq, when the vehicle hit a large improvised explosive device. All four soldiers were badly injured in the resulting explosion and fire.

Michael was treated at the scene for severe burns, then flown to Germany until his condition could be stabilized. On Tuesday he was moved to the Brooks Army Medical Center burn unit in San Antonio, where his condition was listed as critical. The Brown family was flown to San Antonio on Wednesday to be with him.

“He has burns over 20 percent of his body,” Richard said, “but the worst is his throat.” Michael reportedly suffered injury to his esophagus and throat from soot.

Richard added that medical officials have put Michael into a medically induced coma, but brought him partially out of the coma Sunday, “and his responses were good.”

Michael is expected to receive skin grafts for his other burns in the near future, and his prognosis is considered good as long as doctors can prevent infection or pneumonia from setting in.

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