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Dominik, Bucs salute Brennan on Veterans Day

Staff photo by BOB HANSEN

Army Lt. Brian Brennan, who was wounded in Afrghanistan, talks with the Bucs after practice on Wednesday.

By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 11, 2009

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TAMPA - An inspirational guest was waiting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the conclusion of Wednesday's practice.

General manager Mark Dominik introduced Lt. Brian Brennan to Bucs players and coaches on Veterans Day as part of the team's "Operation: Welcome Home" initiative.

"Here's a guy who knows a lot about the C-word, courage,'" Dominik said before players huddled around the 25-year-old soldier, who works at MacDill Air Force Base after losing both his legs and suffering head injuries during a roadside bombing in Afghanistan.

The Bucs are helping to renovate Brennan's home to make it more accessible to his needs, including the installation of a new bathroom.

"This is amazing," said Brennan, who was happy to sign the knee brace of Tampa Bay center Jeff Faine. "I've been around a lot of people at Walter Reed Hospital, so I'm not as star-struck as I used to be, but it's always nice to know that people do appreciate what we do.

"The main thing is I want people to remember 9/11. Remember why we're there and the freedoms we're fighting for.'"

Brennan exchanged handshakes and hugs with the Bucs before Dominik led him on a tour of the team facility.

"Thank you for everything,'" said defensive tackle Chris Hovan, extending his right hand toward Brennan.

Veterans Day has a special meaning for Dominik, whose father and brother both served in the Navy.

"Today is a chance to think about all the freedoms we've been granted," Dominik said. "This is one of those days where we just need to say thank you. This was more of an opportunity for us as an organization, an opportunity to meet a soldier that sacrificed for his country. It's also a constant reminder of how important our military is -- not only in our past but in our future.''

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