Today I remember Airman First Class Carl L. Anderson. Vehicle operator, United States Air Force, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Carl was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was Killed in Action (KIA) on 8/29/2004, my birthday. Carl was a good Airman, a good person, and a friend. He and I were stationed at Elmendorf with the 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron from 2003 until his death in 2004. Carl was killed when his convoy hit an improvised explosive device (IED), the rest of his convoy members were members of our squadron as well and made it home, all wounded — all received the Purple Heart. Carl did not make it home to recieve his Bronze Star or Purpe Heart — rather his Mother received it next to his coffin guarded by the Honor Guard.
Carl gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and for that all of us are in debt to him. It’s because of Men like Carl that we celebrate Memorial Day and honor those who never came home. These are men and women who paid the ultimate price for freedom and deserve the be honored on this day. So when you’re at home eating your BBQ, and drinking too much beer — take a few moments to remember the reason you’re actually observing this holiday, it’s for Men and Women of the Armed Forces of the United States of America who gave their lives so that you could celebrate this holiday how you see fit.
Today and everyday we remember the fallen,
Staff Sergeant (VET.) Darrell W. Mogg, United States Air Force
Well said!
As is tradition is to slack off BBQ enjoy the sun, people I’ve come to see do know why they are doing it.
I’ll never be able to say quite how thankful I am able to have a nice dinner and goof off all day while so many of my friends and family have given so much to give us this day.
Those will always been close in our hearts and minds and much more today.
I’d like to think I didn’t slack off today to slack off, I lived the American dream to the fullest because that’s what so many have will and are fighting for. That’s just my personal way of showing it.
May they rest in peace and know they are always remembered!