Father's Return from Iraq Helps Son's Illness

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Major Robert Behrmann was rushed home from Iraq just over a week ago after getting word his son suffering from pneumonia may not survive the next few days. Now, after days of uncertainty, his son is home and doing better.

For the past year and half Major Behrmann has been serving in Iraq. He was close to returning home when he heard his 7-year-old son was very sick.

"My unit received a red cross message from OU Children's that he was in dire circumstances," Major Behrmann said.

Major Behrmann's son Sammy had come down with pneumonia, and his illness was only getting worse.

"He has a history of bad respiratory problems, and he just got really sick. There was a couple of days where they didn't think he was going to make it," Major Behrmann said.

In fact, doctors thought Sammy might not make it another 48 hours, so the military granted Major Behrmann an emergency release in hopes of getting him home in time to be at his son's bedside.

He said the 36 hour trip felt more like an eternity.

"The whole time it was anxiety not knowing how my son was doing," Major Behrmann said.

Fortunately Sammy is doing better. It turns out the best medicine may have been having dad home.

"He's definitely happy to see me when I got there. He was doing well enough he was able to recognize me and I think that it helped having me come home," Major Behrmann said.

Major Behrmann said his son has improved so much, his health is almost back to normal.