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A recent newlywed at the time, McMann said his wife understood the risks. "She's been supportive ever since," he said. In his civilian life, McMann is a member of the special response team that protects nuclear facilities for the Department of Energy. His Army unit arrived in Iraq in October and he became eligible to re-enlist just two days before he was wounded. He said he had already planned to sign up again, but had been on missions constantly since returning from leave.
"This break in the hospital is the first time I've had to sign my contract," McMann said. He praised the work of his fellow soldiers, whose mission involves hunting explosive devices and clearing the routes for Coalition Forces in western Iraq. "Most of the time we're a lot more successful than what it appears here," McMann said, gesturing to his bandaged feet. "They do a heck of a job out there." Trofinoff, who is from Mine Hill, N.J., said this isn't the first time McMann has placed the mission first. In December, he was riding in the lead vehicle and suffered a concussion when it was hit by an IED. Five minutes later, another IED hit the convoy's Buffalo armored vehicle and he dismounted to supervise its recovery. The company commander said McMann was acting as platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, which has uncovered 79 IEDs since starting their mission - the second highest in the company. The unit is based out of Hayden Lake, Idaho. Trofinoff said knowing McMann, he was not surprised he would re-enlist after being wounded, but it was an impressive act. "That is definitely an indication of his selfless service and his commitment to the team," he said. Staff Sgt. Dwight Henderson of Columbus, Ohio, who was the Army Reserve career counselor who prepared the paperwork for McMann's re-enlistment, said someone signing back up after being wounded is unusual. "I'm just impressed with him," Henderson said. "If you wanted to put a picture on Army values, it would probably be that guy." McMann said his wife will understand about his signing on again, because she knows this is something he likes to do. He is glad he won't ever have to look back and wish he had served. In fact, he said he was hoping to get his feet fixed and get back to the fight "as soon as I can." "I'm doing my best to leave this place better than when I got here," he said. |
