A Henry couple were relieved to learn during a special Mother's Day call that their military son had survived an explosion while serving with the 1st Armored Division of the U.S. Army in Iraq.

Specialist Nicholas Graham, 28, son of Janice and Roger Graham of Henry, was injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near the vehicle in which he was riding. Graham and two other soldiers were on the roadway near Ramadi, Iraq, west of Baghdad according to reports.

Graham sustained shrapnel wounds to his leg, as well as a burst eardrum. A medic removed some of the shrapnel, which was lodged in his upper thigh, but was unable to remove another smaller piece. He will possibly undergo surgery at a later date to remove the remaining shrapnel, his father said.

The other two soldiers were not injured. However, the Humvee was inoperable following the explosion.

Janice, who is employed at Regions Bank in McKenzie, said she and her husband received a call from Nicholas on Mother's Day, giving them the news.

"It was an emotional call," she said. "He wished me a happy Mother's Day and said there would be no crying."

"It was a sad Mother's Day, but at the same time it was a very happy one to know that he was alright," she added.

Roger, who serves as minister at Henry Church of Christ, said Nicholas was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. He stated Nicholas' unit had recently relocated from the Syrian border to Ramadi, Iraq.

He said the three soldiers had transported an individual to an undisclosed location and were returning to their home base when the explosion occurred.

"They were one-fourth mile from their base when the bomb exploded," he added.

After receiving medical care, the soldier returned to active duty with his unit the day following the accident, his mother said.

Specialist Graham, who enlisted in the Army in 2003, is a 1996 graduate of McKenzie High School.

He is the father of two children, Tyler, age 10, and McKalee, age 2. They reside with their mother, Lindsay in Hollow Rock.

 
MCKENZIE (May 18)- A McKenzie Regional Hospital ambulance was involved in a wreck while en route to a single-car accident on U.S. 79 between McKenzie and Trezevant, May 18, at 9:40 a.m.

According to a report by Trooper Brent Russom, Paramedic Brian Baker was driving the ambulance, running emergency equipment, when he passed one southbound vehicle and then made contact with 2003 Nissan in front of the vehicle he has just passed. Jeremy Reeves, Birmingham Lane, McKenzie, was turning left into a private drive, when he turned into the path of the passing ambulance. Reeves' 2003 Nissan was struck in the driver's door and both vehicles came to rest in a private drive on the eastside of U.S. 79.

Paramedic Baker was transported to McKenzie Regional Hospital via ambulance. Baker was held overnight for observation for a possible concussion. Reeves was uninjured. Neither vehicle was disabled.

The original accident occurred in the Obion River bottom, 1/2-mile from New Zion Road, where a single vehicle left the roadway and was slightly in the water.

Mark A. Price, 37, of Highway 105, Trezevant was traveling south on U.S. 79 when he lost control, exited the roadway, and came to rest in a water-filled ditch, according to Trooper Mark Jackson. McKenzie Fire Department Rescue Team responded and extricated Price from the vehicle. Fire Chief Brian Tucker said the team accomplished their mission by simply prying open the door.

Price was transported to McKenzie Regional Hospital via McKenzie E.M.S. and then airlifted to Jackson Madison County Hospital.

Speaking from his home Monday, Mr. Price said he was traveling along U.S. 79 when he swerved to avoid a head-on collision with a car in his lane. The accident left his legs temporarily paralyzed. He also sustained trauma to the left side of his head. The accident caused his spine to swell, possibly aggravating his previous back surgery. The temporary paralysis has subsided and no surgery was required. However, Price says he is still suffering weakness in his limbs, adding "I can get up and move around."

Sunday, May 28

McKenzie: The annual veterans' breakfast, sponsored by the American Legion, will be held Sunday, May 28 at 6:30 a.m. at the Catfish Restaurant across from McDonalds. All veterans are invited to attend this long-standing tradition. Following the breakfast, veterans are invited to participate in the decoration of graves at local cemeteries.

Huntingdon: The annual Memorial Day program at Liberty All United Methodist Church will be Sunday, May 28 at 10:45 a.m. The Honorable Walton West, who served in the Air Force as a captain, will be guest speaker. The program will also include patriotic music and readings. All veterans will be recognized and the names of those buried at Liberty will be read. Flags will be placed on the graves of veterans. The church is located at 2415 Old Stage Road in Huntingdon. Everyone is invited to attend.

Monday, May 29 Memorial Day

McKenzie: Dusty Carroll will be commemorated Monday, May 29, during McKenzie's annual "A Day of Remembrance" Memorial Day service. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Downtown Veteran's Memorial Park. United States Air Force retired Col. Jim Harding will be the guest speaker for the event. Now residing in the Leach community outside Huntingdon, Col. Harding is a highly decorated former rescue pilot who served during the Vietnam War. He welcomes questions following his presentation. Boy Scout Troop 78 will present a special memorial service. Bethany Ellis and Shaun Thompson will sing. Following the service, entertainment will be provided by Cruise Control and light refreshments will be served. Everyone is invited to attend.

A tree will be planted at McKenzie High School at 12:30 p.m. in memory of 2000 graduate Dusty Carroll.

Huntingdon: Sgt. 1st Class David Jarrett will be guest speaker at Huntingdon's annual Memorial Day event, which takes place at 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Park, on Main Street. Jarrett recently completed a year of service in Iraq as a platoon leader with McKenzie's 230th Engineer Battalion, Company A. The always poignant service will also feature the men's chorus, AWOL. Everyone is invited to attend.