By Michelle Costa, Local News 8 Reporter

FORT HOOD - This is a letter from the family of Twin Falls Soldier, Army Staff Sergeant Shawn Manning (Monday evening).

Shawn is still in stable condition at an undisclosed hospital in Texas.  He was removed from ICU this afternoon.  We are here with him.  It is very important to us that his location remain private at this time.  As a family we are trying to stay focused on getting Shawn back to Fort Lewis and to Madigan Hospital in Washington State, although at this time he is not in physical condition to be transferred.  Fort Lewis and Madigan is where he has been stationed and worked for many years as a Behavioral Health Practitioner and has a Masters degree in Psychology.  Shawn and his wife currently reside in Lacey, Washington. 

We can confirm the following:

Shawn was shot 6 times and was one of the first victims of the gunman.  One shot to the chest, three in the abdomen, one in the leg and one in the foot.  All the bullets have been removed except for one but we are told it does not present any issues at this time and is not life threatening.  All of the shots missed major organs and arteries and we are blessed with this miracle.  We are very fortunate for this and our thoughts and prayers are with the families that have lost loved ones.  Shawn was able to stand and walk a short distance today.  He is talking to us and wants everyone to know how much he appreciates all the communities supporting him and his family.

He did not know or work with the gunman at anytime. (This has been reported and it is important to us that the true fact gets out)  Shawn had been at Fort Hood for a day and a half when the incident took place.

His recent deployment had been set for Afghanistan.

Shawn is very passionate about his work as a Mental Health professional for the Army. He is very proud to serve his country.  He understands the need of his fellow soldiers and wanted to help them anyway he could.  Even in his current condition he is worried and thinking of his fellow soldiers.  When serving in Iraq, Shawn would visit the Orphanages whenever they could get to them.  He liked to talk and play with the children and would often share his care packages with them.  Although Shawn has no children of his own, he is a favorite uncle and is often referred to as their hero.

We have had lots of interest to send flowers or donations.  If anyone would like do donate  please visit a Wells Fargo Bank  where an account has been set up for the benefit of Shawn Manning.

Note----The family is requesting that any previous statements made by Jodeen Ridgeway or Chris Haley should not be used.  They do not represent our family in any way.  I have attached the previous release with this and want to say again….NO interviews or statements will be made at this time.

Thank you, Kym Lott and the Manning family