started tavara and the other army soldier were riding in when it was hit by a rocket. the vehicle exploded, spun around and by the time i got up there, tavare was next to the vehicle. >> captain lombardo pulled joel away from the wreckage. >> he was engulfed in flames from the explosion. he was making noises so i knew he was alive. >> reporter: but just barely. >> he had combination of severe head injuries and severe burns throughout the the body. amputation, multiple neurological problems. >> i came from work. my husband is waiting for me. >> he said i have to tell you something. >> he walked in and i said we have to talk. she immediately gave a sense, and said -- it's joel. >> don't tell me nothing happened to my son.