Martha Raddatz: A Soldier Fights for Life
EmailEditor’s Note: Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz reports on Lieutenant Colonel Tim Karcher, who lost both his legs this week when his vehicle was bombed near Baghdad’s notorious Sadr City neighborhood. A vivid reminder on this day when US forces hand control of Iraqi cities and towns over to Iraqi command, that the war is far from over. I keep looking at the pictures I took of Lt. Colonel Tim Karcher a few months ago in Sadr City, Iraq. Even though we are walking through alleyways of raw sewage and rotting vegetables, Karcher has a soft smile on his face in every shot. In the interview we did he is optimistic, but realistic about Iraq’s future. No spin. Now this big bear of a man is lying in a hospital bed fighting for his life, both his legs blown off above the knees. It breaks my heart, and judging from the tons of emails I have received from soldiers, reporters and others who knew him, many feel the same. LTC Karcher was on his 3rd deployment to Iraq. He felt a profound responsibility to his soldiers, and two years ago despite a gunshot wound to his shoulder that ripped out much of his deltoid muscle, he fought hard to get back to the point where he could return to his soldiers. He said he felt guilty if they were in the fight and he was not. He also profoundly loves his family — his wife and daughters aged 14, 12 and 9. This is going to be so devastating to that family, but I know Tim will do his best to make it easy on his wife and kids, and they will support him at every stage. I know right now that the strong Army community is gathering around that family in any way they can. I have covered the First Cavalry Division on all three deployments to Iraq….particulary the 2/5 Cav which Karcher commands. I also learned of a tragic follow-up to Tim’s injury. After his command sgt major (the senior enlisted soldier) left the combat support hospital where Tim was treated, his convoy hit an EFP (explosive formed projectile) — those terrible Iranian made shape charges that are so deadly. Several men were injured, though it is unclear how seriously. This just after their commander was so terribly wounded. Keep them all in your thoughts. Update: After this post, Martha spoke with Karcher's wife. Click here to see what she had to say.
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The Karchers live directly across the street from us and we have known them for 6 years. I can’t begin to explain how devastating the news of his tragic injury has been. Although they have a lot of uncertainty and difficulty ahead, they are a strong family and I have to believe that they will make it through with the help of God’s grace, family and friends. We are keeping them all in our prayers during this hard time and we are asking for a healing hand to be placed on Tim. We also remember and pray for the other soldiers who were injured on the way back from the combat support hospital.
Posted by: Kari McGuire | June 30, 2009, 1:40 pm 1:40 pm
When I saw this report last night I was stunned – not because another American soldier was killed in Iraq, but because only ABC News covered it and Iraq is lost in the hubub around Michael Jackson.
As someone who was in high school when Michael Jackson emerged and taking into account his contribution to pop culture, I was extremely sad about his demise, but it pales in comparison to that of LTC Karcher in Iraq.
I’ve seen him interviewed before and concur completely with Martha Raddatz’s assessment. Arguably he is a Biblical lily in the field who, at this time, we can only keep in our thoughts and prayers after this devastating development.
Posted by: Kevin | June 30, 2009, 5:24 pm 5:24 pm
Please remember Tim and his family in all of your prayers. This man did not fight only for his country but for all of us Americans. We as Americans can be very proud of Tim and all of his work for the United States. He and his family will be facing many medical challenges in the coming years and we as Americans need to support him and all of our soldiers. Tim is my sister-in-laws brother and I want all of America to know what he stands for: FREEDOM FOR AMERICA. Please keep him and all of his family and all of the American soldiers fighting for our freedom in your prayers. By the grace of our Lord and the medical knowledge and procedures that Tim will recover and continue to fight what he stands for. The Lord must have bigger things for this man to conquer. Keep him in your prayers. I know I will!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Meg | June 30, 2009, 9:30 pm 9:30 pm
To Alesia and the girls. Please know you are in my prayers. LTC Karcher as well. We owe you and him so much.
janice
Posted by: Janice Elmore | June 30, 2009, 11:29 pm 11:29 pm
tim is married to my cousin, alesia. the entire family is in my prayers.
Posted by: nancy | July 1, 2009, 2:39 am 2:39 am
I’m sorry for your horrible injury sir. I will indeed pray for your recovery and your family. Thank you for your brave service. You folks are absolutely the BEST of us! God bless.
Posted by: Chad Chadwick | July 1, 2009, 8:41 am 8:41 am
I’ll be praying.
Posted by: Kathy | July 1, 2009, 10:05 am 10:05 am
This Central Texas community will rally around our Wounded Warriors and support and love them. We have been doing this for nigh on to 7 years now. We love our soldiers and will support them to the end!! Thank you LTC Karcher for your service and magnificent leadership of our soldiers. We stand with your family during this time also and will keep you all in our prayers.
Posted by: Clyde Glosson | July 1, 2009, 10:57 am 10:57 am
I was so upset when I saw Martha Raddatz report on LTC Karcher. I remember him from other reports and found him so impressive. My thoughts, prayers and profound appreciation are with the LTC and his family. I hope Ms. Raddatz will be able to give on-air updates so the entire country can be kept up to speed on LTC Karsher’s condition. Thank you.
Posted by: Michele | July 1, 2009, 11:57 am 11:57 am
This is all tied into the release of Laith Al Khaz-ali, the AL said-Al Haq group and the Iranians. It makes my heart burn.
Posted by: Malcolm | July 1, 2009, 1:08 pm 1:08 pm
hey ,you are not doing the military any good,its just getting more brave warriors slaughtered by reporting news of pain and suffering this way. i know i’ve been there. vietnam two tour 100%disabled combat vet.
Posted by: marc | July 1, 2009, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
My prayers are with you Colenel Karcher, and with your family. God Bless You for the sacrifice you, and all of the men and women of the armed forces, have made for me and my fellow American citizens, and for the cause of liberty and against tyranny. You represent everything that is right with the United States of America.
Posted by: Ric Sjostrom | July 1, 2009, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
The forefathers of our country knew that a people can remain free only when they are upholding virtue. I think LTC Karcher embodies that completely, I will continue to keep him in prayer. Thank you LTC Tim Karcher, from the bottom of my heart.
Posted by: Libbie | July 1, 2009, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm
So sorry 2 hear!! I’ll pray 4 him, hid wife and girls!
Posted by: Grizzly | July 1, 2009, 6:17 pm 6:17 pm
I did not know Commander Karcher, but I found out about him through someone in my class. My prayers and concern go out to him and his family. I want to thank him for his bravery and dedication to keeping the peace and providing a safe-haven for so many people. I am humbled by his sacrifice. Thank you and I will continue to keep him in my prayers.
Posted by: goingacademic | July 2, 2009, 2:24 am 2:24 am
I’d like to say that LTC Karcher was a man of great fortitude as one of his soldiers that was there that horrible day i know that the only thing on his mind was everyone else on that tuck he was all about the soldiers and without question cares more for them then himself he was not the only soldier lost that day and let our prayer go out to our lost Lancer he will be missed
Posted by: Spc. Urbelis | July 2, 2009, 6:26 am 6:26 am
My thoughts and prayers go out to LTC Tim Karcher and his family. I have followed Martha Haddatz past reports and remember thinking how he is the same age as my children. Three of them were in Iraq and I recall I had fears of this sort of thing happening to them.
I am so sorry to hear of his injuries and those of the soldiers that carried him from the battlefield to the army hospital. Sherry
Posted by: Sherry Lee | July 2, 2009, 1:05 pm 1:05 pm
God Bless Commander Karcher. He and his fellow soldiers are owed our prayers and thanks for doing their duty to our country and freedom. Who among us cannot be in awe of their service and dedication. May he and family be granted all we as a nation can offer.
Posted by: ben walsh | July 2, 2009, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm
God Bless Commander Karcher. He and his fellow soldiers are owed our prayers and thanks for doing their duty to our country and freedom. Who among us cannot be in awe of their service and dedication. May he and family be granted all we as a nation can offer.
Posted by: ben walsh | July 2, 2009, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm
Dear Karcher Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Best wishes from the Marines of Fallujah. Tim’s courage continues to inspire us all.
Semper Fi
Mike
Posted by: Mike Shupp (Inchon 6) | July 2, 2009, 2:25 pm 2:25 pm
Tim and his family lived directly across from my family for my whole childhood. Tim is older than me, so we were not too close. I always knew he was a nice guy and a devoted member of the US Army. It was not until hearing about this tragic situation that I realized what a hero I had living directly across the street from me. I am almost ashamed that I am not one half the man that Tim is. My heart goes out to his wife and daughters, as well as his parents and siblings. The great thing about heros, such as Tim, is that they may get knocked down, but they never give up.
Thank you Tim for all that you do and the sacrifices you have made for our country. This war never hit home to me until I learned of your injury. God Bless
Scott – St. Louis, MO
Posted by: Scott Struckhoff | July 2, 2009, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm
As another soldier who was there and had to witness a great leader and role model fight for his life he was strong and nothing would have kept him from surviving his family is in my prayers as is LTC Karcher
Posted by: hardtimes | July 2, 2009, 5:01 pm 5:01 pm
Tim and Alesia – God is GOOD, no matter what. He was with Tim in Sadr City, He is with you now. The prayer chain at church is full of AWESOME prayer Warriors and they are lifting you all up in prayer, even now. Stand Firm, having put on the belt of truth and the body armor of righteousness. You are already wearing the shoes that are the preparedness to speak the Gospel of Peace. Keep holding up the shield of faith. Your sword is the Word of God. After this battle you will still be standing firm! We love you and ARE PRAYING FOR YOU!!!
Posted by: Chaplain (MAJ) Ray Milburn | July 2, 2009, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
LTC Karcher is a close friend of mine even though I haven’t spoken to him in about a year or so. I had a unique experiance in the fact that Tim and I went to church together and then when I voluntereed for Iraq I fell in with 3BDE 1st CAV and got to spend more time with him. He and I worked in AWANAs together and shared many a laugh. My familys thoughts, prayers, and the tears I have been crying since learning of his injuries and the deaths of my fellow troopers. Alesia Mary and I will pray for you and Tim everyday.
Live the Legend
Jimmy and Mary Hammond
Posted by: Jimmy Hammond | July 2, 2009, 8:05 pm 8:05 pm
I had the great priviledge of being Tim’s boss twice when he was a captain. Few men can match his honor, his sense of duty, his selflessness, and courage. It is men like him, and women like his wife, who ensure we have the blessings of freedom. As a person, Tim is warm and kind–underneath his soldierly strength is a man of great faith. My heart aches knowing of his pain. Please get better friend. We love you.
Posted by: Paul Melody | July 4, 2009, 12:08 pm 12:08 pm
News of this nature should not be incomprehensible given the tragedies America has endured this decade, yet these horrific acts of violence remain unfathomable. There are no words to convey how all of my thoughts are with your family and all who serve our country selflessly. May the grace of God and your love for each other carry you through this chapter in your life.
Posted by: moira | July 13, 2009, 3:22 am 3:22 am
Despite all our country has lost, we are amazed at the numbers of young men who are willing to sacrifice a portion of their lives to keep our country free. And those who have given parts of themselves and even their lives are to be commended – even adored and loved – for their patriotism fired by their love of our marvelous country. God bless you ALL, and peace and comfort to your families!
Posted by: Jo Moore | July 22, 2009, 1:29 pm 1:29 pm
I served with then MAJ Karcher onthe 3rd Corps staff in 2004 beforehe went down to 1CAV. A super officer and ultimate professional. My heart and prayers go out to him and his family. What hospital is he receiving treatment in? I live in the DC area and would like to visit him?
COL Andy Schober
Posted by: COL Andy Schobr | July 25, 2009, 8:13 pm 8:13 pm