Ariz. Soldier Injured by IED Coming Home

BAGHDAD, Iraq - In the past week, there have been several attacks on U.S. soldiers as the deadline for withdrawal draws nearer.

One of the soldiers injured is an Arizona resident from Peach Springs. His family says Corporal Tyrell Edison Manakaja is fighting for his life.

Corp. Manakaja's father says an army captain called the family three days ago, saying their son had been hurt.

"'My son had been involved in an incident. His platoon hit an IED and he was seriously hurt,'" recalls Edison Manakaja.

Corp. Manakaja is a 23-year-old Peach Springs, Ariz. native. He's also a member of the Hualapai nation, on his second tour of duty in Iraq.

Corp. Manakaja's platoon was stationed in the Rusafa district in eastern Baghdad.

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"He told me there was multiple fractures in his right leg and arm, a piece of shrapnel went through main artery in his neck and he had facial burns," says Manakaja's dad. He was flown to Germany, then to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. Despite those injuries, he was able to call home Saturday.

"He said, 'Dad I'm all messed up, but I'm ok.' He said, 'Don't worry. I'm coming home. I'm not the same, but I'm ok.'"

The army told his family that Corporal Manakaja may lose an eye and suffer some brain damage. But his family is thankful that he's alive.

U.S. forces are set to withdraw from Iraq's major cities and urban areas on June 30.