Times-News

The family of Army Staff Sgt. Shawn Manning said Wednesday that he continues to improve after sustaining six gunshot wounds at Fort Hood, Texas, on Nov. 5.

Manning, who grew up in Jerome, was the first victim of the worst mass shooting to occur at a U.S. military base. It left 13 dead and many more wounded at the post’s Soldier Readiness Center.

Manning celebrated his 34th birthday with his family Sunday at Brooks Army Medical Center on Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

The Army moved him the day before from Seton Medical Center in Round Rock, Texas, where he was hospitalized for about a week.

“Our family would like to extend many thanks to the staff at Seton Medical Center, the Round Rock Police Department, all the military personnel that have assisted us and the community of Round Rock and many others that did not leave names for their help while we stayed there,” Manning’s sister, Kym Lott, wrote in a prepared statement.

Lott, of Twin Falls, said her brother was in good spirits for his birthday and thankful to celebrate with his family.

“This birthday had a special meaning for all of us. We enjoyed a day with him and even had some laughs,” she wrote.

A transfer is anticipated in the near future to Madigan Hospital at Fort Lewis, Wash., 10 minutes from his home. Lott said doctors hope Manning will make a full recovery within three months.

Manning and his wife, Autumn, live in Lacey, Wash. He was born in Twin Falls, raised mostly in Jerome and graduated from Buhl High School.

Manning’s family has established an account for donations in response to calls from people asking how they could help. Because flowers and gifts could not be transported home for Manning, his family is requesting that anyone wishing to help may make a donation by visiting any Wells Fargo Bank branch.