On the recordSeptember 21, 2011
Today I rise to honor a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice and laid down his life for our freedom, United States Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 David R. Carter. Chief Warrant Officer Carter dedicated himself to over 24 years of military service. As a member of the Colorado Army National Guard, he deployed to Afghanistan last summer. On August 6, 2011, he was piloting a CH-47 helicopter on a mission to reinforce a unit under attack in Wardak Province. On that tragic day, he was one of 30 Americans lost when their helicopter was brought down by enemy fire. Dave Carter was regarded as one of the most highly trained aviators in Colorado, with multiple combat deployments and over 4,000 flight hours. He is also remembered for the tremendous impact he had on his family, friends, and community. Friends recall that he was never too busy to help out with a problem. Chief Warrant Officer David Carter personifies the honor and selflessness of service as a citizen soldier. His bravery and dedication to duty will not be forgotten. As a Marine Corps combat veteran, my deepest sympathies go out to his family, his fellow soldiers, and all who knew him. ____________________
