By Karen Hensel
News 8 @ 11:00

While 24-Hour News 8 was on the ground in Iraq we heard the car bombs that too often kill American troops. Even at a distance, we could feel the thunderous boom.

"It feels as though you got hit by a truck," said 2nd Lt. Scott Cassidy of the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles. 

2nd Lt. Scott Cassidy has survived three roadside bombs.

"The third one came on Monday. I was basically clearing out the area of IED's and enemy activity on a road we use all the time."

He talks with us just two days after being hit by the latest roadside bomb, his body full of shrapnel. He offers to stand up for a picture with Indiana Congressman Steve Buyer. It is mutual respect.

"I got here three months ago and took over as platoon leader," said 2nd Lt. Cassidy.

"This is your third Purple Heart in three months?" asked Congressman Buyer. 

"Yes."

"Wow!"

This is the first war where more American troops are dying from the blasts than actual bullets. He describes what happens.

"You don't really hear it, it knocks you over. It knocked everybody over."

His sister, a fellow soldier and graduate of Purdue, flew in from Balad to be by his side.

"Two pieces were stuck in the Kevlar in my back. It stopped them completely; otherwise I might not be here right now," said 2nd Lt. Cassidy.

He is a platoon leader who also credits his own soldiers.

"My medic was standing right next to me, had all my stuff off and treated me in 10 minutes. Twenty minutes later I was in a helicopter coming here."

Scott Cassidy spent summers growing up in a quiet lake community near Elkhart. As a veteran he will go into the arms of Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson. Both are graduates of West Point.

While his injury makes news, he says the quiet days of war are the real headline.

"What you're missing is even though for the guys nothing exciting happened that day, that's not where we're winning the war. We're winning the war by 24 hours a day, guys that are pulling guard and doing the right thing even when nothing exciting is happening."

"You've only been over here since May?" asked Hensel.

"Yes, I'm just unlucky," answered 2nd Lt. Cassidy. 

"Or very lucky," said Hensel.

"Well, that's what I would say," 2nd Lt. Cassidy agreed.

Hit by three roadside bombs in three months has earned him three purple hearts.

"God bless you, I appreciate your service," said Congressman Buyer.

When asked what he would want, he said he wants to go to the West Point - Notre Dame football game. Congressman Buyer is trying to get him the tickets.