Our Latest American Hero #110

brianlgorham
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Army Pfc. Brian L. Gorham, 21, of Woodburn, Ky., died Dec. 31 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, of wounds suffered on Dec. 12 in Afghanistan when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Camp Ederle, Vicenza, Italy.

Article #1: After the initial attack and injury

"Kentucky Soldier In Texas Burn Hospital After Afghanistan Attack"

WOODBURN, Ky. -- A soldier from south-central Kentucky suffered severe burns when the Humvee he was riding in rolled over a bomb in Afghanistan, his father said.

Army Spc. Brian Gorham, 23, of Woodburn, suffered second- and third-degree burns to his face, legs, arms and hands, said his father, Toney Gorham.

He was serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade based in Vicenza, Italy, his father said. He had been in Afghanistan for six months before the Dec. 13 incident.

Brian Gorham is being treated in an intensive care unit in San Antonio, his father said. He recently had his first set of skin grafts on his arms and legs and looks better, but "he's still got a long way to go," Toney Gorham said.

Residents of Woodburn, a close-knit community of just more than 300 people in southern Warren County, were saddened by the news.

"Knowing Brian and his mind, if he can get it set, he'll come through this and won't think anything about it," said Frances McKinney, a neighbor. "Everybody's been real sad because most everybody knows him because he pretty much grew up here."

Stephanie McKinney, 19, described Brian Gorham as "like a big brother" to her. "He was doing what he loved. He loved being a soldier," McKinney said.

Toney Gorham said his son could be in the hospital for a year to treat the burns, which covered 51 percent of his body. But Gorham said the doctors and his son are keeping a positive attitude.

Article #2: After the soldier's death

"Kentucky Soldier, Hurt In Afghan Blast, Dies"

WOODBURN, Ky. -- A Kentucky soldier who suffered severe burns when the Humvee he was riding in rolled over a bomb in Afghanistan has died, his father said yesterday.

"My son was a fighter," said his father, Toney Gorham. "He fought the whole time."

He was being treated in a hospital in San Antonio, Texas, when he died. Gorham was remembered as a likable man who was always willing to help his neighbors.

"If you were around Brian for very long you would like him," Jack Wright, a Sunday school teacher at Woodburn Baptist Church, told the Bowling Green Daily News. "I'm proud to have known him."

Frances McKinney, who lived across the street from Gorham and his family, said he was like a big brother to her daughter. "When my dad was sick, Brian and his mother would come over and help him … get around the house," McKinney said. She said that when her family moved into their house 15 years ago, the Gorhams helped welcome them to the community.

McKinney's husband spent eight years in the Army. So when Gorham enlisted, he was able to talk to someone who had military experience. "I remember him coming over and saying he was really excited about doing something meaningful," McKinney said.

Debbie Brown, a secretary at Woodburn Baptist Church, said Gorham would often arrive at Wednesday church services wearing his Army ROTC uniform. "I remember that he looked very distinguished and I'm sure he was proud to wear that uniform," Brown said.

Gov. Steve Beshear directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff in Gorham's honor