BOSTON -- A local soldier severely injured in a bomb blast in Iraq is home with his family. Pfc. Vincent Mannion is the first soldier in New England to receive private hospital care for his traumatic brain injury.

Soldier Gets Private Brain Care

As NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported, Mannion walked out of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital on Tuesday.

"I'm happy as a mom, and to see my son walking out," said Maura Brodeur, Mannion's mother.

"He's one of our nation's true heroes," said Dr. Ross Zafonte, of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

"It feels good," Mannion said.

It was a proud day day for Mannion, his family and doctors, as the injured soldier walked out of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

"When he came here he was in a light vegetative state, and as you can see he's come a long way," said Jeff Brodeur, Mannion's dad.

It was March 11, 2007 when Vincent was injured in a bomb blast in Iraq, barely a month after he got there. Mannion suffered a traumatic brain injury, a signature injury of the Iraq war.

"All the areas of his brain were affected," said Dr. Heechin Chae, the medical director of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

Mannion was supposed to be treated at one of only four VA hospitals capable of handling his level of injuries. But his dad, also a veteran, demanded private care at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. His family won the fight, and Mannion became the first New England veteran to be treated for a traumatic brain injury at a private care hospital.

"The best thing for these soldiers is to get them care near their families," said Maura Brodeur.

"This has been unprecedented to have soldiers treated at other facilities and now Spaulding is in the spotlight," said Jeff Brodeur.

Mannion and his family credit Spaulding for his progress. He's undergone intense rehab for the past 14 months. He relearned how to walk and talk, and is grateful to begin a new chapter of his life.

"Thank you, thank you," Mannion said.