"All along the Watchtower..."

The following arrived this morning, sent to friends from the Lady of a friend, who now finds herself newly-widowed…

[addressees deleted]

I found this in Carl's email tonite and thought you guys might like to read it. A part of me died with my husband today, but I couldn't be prouder of him than I am for his relentless willingness to help others and give of himself. I am the luckiest woman alive to have had such a wonderful life with him. I have no idea how I will ever continue without him. Thanks for caring and being his friend throughout the years.

Karen

Carl was a fellow National Guard Instructor Pilot. He and I attended a couple of military schools together and, when Desert Storm kicked off, we found ourselves at Fort Rucker—twiddling our thumbs, waiting for the order that never came.

He worked full-time for the Pennsy Guard at Indiantown Gap and retired a few years before I did, then took a contractor job to augment the retirement coins Sam pays us. He’s at Fiddler’s Green by now, decompressing.

I’m not going to eulogize him, because another friend got it in one. Anything I could add would only detract from the telling.

I’ve edited for comsec and last names, ‘cuz Carl didn’t die the Straw Death…

Subject: In Memory of Carl Carroll 27 Jan 1950 ~ 20 Aug 2005
Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2005
01:02:08 +0400

[company deleted] Brigade:

It is with a deeply sorrowful heart that I am sending you this notification. I regret to inform you that on 20 August 2005 at 11:03 hours, Carl [deleted] our Kalsu Site Manager succumbed to an early morning IED injury suffered along route Tampa during the performance of his duties and selfless actions that perhaps saved the lives of 4 fellow [deleted] employees.

Following the roadside attack, he was returned to FOB Kalsu for emergency medical care and then he was medevac[ed] by helicopter to the 86th CSH (Central Zone) Baghdad, Iraq.

Ironically, Carl was a Dust-Off combat veteran and aviator who flew many similar missions while serving honorably in the United States Army. His family and friends have been notified in [address deleted] by our Next of Kin Team and are overcoming the loss of a loved one. Their sorrow and pain is awash in the love and support they are receiving from loved ones, friends, and fellow employees.

In a relatively few moments of reflection today, Steve [deleted], Phil [deleted] and I reviewed and discussed our professional and personal friendship with a unique and genuine American ~ Carl [deleted]. Not only was he a man of conviction, character, and integrity ~ he was a patriot, tenacious, and a fiercely loyal father, husband, and [company deleted] employee. Carl was someone you could never not remember. Handsome, fit, poised and rugged in his appearance; Carl was someone you grew to know and appreciate for his underlying humor and wit. Undoubtedly he was self assured, intelligent, serious in each and every endeavor, devoted to the well being of others, and a remarkably selfless and durable individual.

This man understood the meaning of accountability, lived it, and practiced it in his daily life. I would have stood on any ground with him and fought knowing that he would stay anchored until the end. His personal courage and fearless resolve to make a difference will forever be a part of our memory. And a difference he made indeed.

We were fortunate and blessed to have had the opportunity for him to touch our lives. Tonight our Bridge of [company deleted] will mourn the loss of one of its warriors and share in a profound sense of loss. And tomorrow we will resume on our course with destiny while remembering him fondly as someone who made the ultimate sacrifice for his God, family, country, and those in Iraq who yearn for peace and freedom.

Carl, my friend ~ sleep well tonight and forever in the graces of God. We are walking along the Watchtower and will continue on in your absence…

Regards
Bart
[last name, unit, telephone numbers deleted]
Baghdad, Iraq

The Price is not the province of the young, alone.

Pax tibi, Carl. May your sleep be dreamless and your soul at ease...