UPDATE: A Soldier Fights for Life
EmailMartha Raddatz with an update from her earlier post about Lieutenant Colonel Tim Karcher who lost both his legs this week when his vehicle was bombed near Baghdad’s notorious Sadr City neighborhood: I just spoke to Alesia Karcher (she made contact with me through ABC website…because she was so touched by the piece) She has not spoken to Tim because he is heavily sedated (although when a “battle buddy” told him he had talked to his wife Tim squeezed his friends hand). He is in landstuhl and had further surgery. He is expected at Walter Reed this weekend. He has been with battle buddies every step of the way… Mrs. Karcher (they have been married 19 years) has, like her husband, a very positive attitude. “I don’t know what is in store for him, but I know he will use this to do something good, I expect he will be using prosthetics and running and doing whatever his heart desires.” She said of him “He is the most wonderful person I have ever met…he is full of life and a man of deep faith…and loves life…he is strong and the only thing that is going to make him upset when he wakes up is that he is not with his soldiers.” They have three daughters — Anna is 14, Audrey is 12 and Abbey is 7.
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Please keep us posted on the condition of Lt.Col Karcher. My husband is retired Army, infantry; The military families are very close to our hearts. We are praying for his recovery and for his family.
Posted by: Wanda Hummel | June 30, 2009, 3:34 pm 3:34 pm
My family is praying for Lt. Col. Karcher everyday. My husband served under him for a few months at Fort Hood. I had the pleasure of meeting his wife, and she is a very stropng person.
Posted by: Marilynn Whitfield | June 30, 2009, 3:59 pm 3:59 pm
My family’s prayers go out to the Karcher family. He was my senior raterand I served in Iraq with him on his last tour with 3BCT1CD and I remember when the call came in on the radio that he had been shot. I am just as concerned for him and his family now as I was then. His resilience and ability to bounce back from that and return to the fight was an inspiration to me and everyone around him.
Posted by: CW2 Kurth, J.W. | June 30, 2009, 4:05 pm 4:05 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. The Mountain View family is wishing your husband a speedy recovery and will do everything we can to help both of you and the girls during this difficult time.
Posted by: Lynn Verrego | June 30, 2009, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm
We want you to know that we are thinking of you and your beautiful family during this time. We are praying that God gives you comfort and strength as you recover.
SIncerely,
The Atkisson Family
Posted by: Sandy Atkisson | June 30, 2009, 5:42 pm 5:42 pm
I just wanted to send my regards to Col. Karcher and his family. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I also wish the Col. all the best. I am the proud girlfriend of a 1st CAV soldier currently serving in Iraq, so from me to you and your family, THANK YOU!!!
Posted by: Micheal F. | June 30, 2009, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm
Sir,
We miss you, wish you were back here. We’ll do our best to finish what you started. Our thoughs and prayers go out to you and your family.
Reaper Platoon
D Company 2nd Battalion 5th Cavalry
Posted by: Reapers, D Co. 2-5 CAV | June 30, 2009, 6:32 pm 6:32 pm
I have cried for two days now after hearing about Col. Kavcher. I am praying for him and his family. He sounds like a very brave man. My prayers and thoughts go out to him and his family. Life is not fair.
Posted by: ann conklin | June 30, 2009, 7:10 pm 7:10 pm
As an old soldier who served with the 2/5 Cav in Viet Nam, I want him and his family to know they are all being prayed for. I consider anyone who served with The Cav as my brother.
And – I understand his need to be with his troopers.
Posted by: Doug Young | June 30, 2009, 7:11 pm 7:11 pm
I hope LTC Karcher and his family know how much of our thoughts and prayers are with them. I served with a young Lt Karcher back in 92, at Bco 1-52 FT Irwin. We earned our EIB’s together that year. He is a great leader and a really funny guy with a awesome laugh. Sir, get well,take care and God Bless you and your family.
MSG Robert Beattie USA, Retired
Posted by: Bob and Kelly Beattie | June 30, 2009, 7:17 pm 7:17 pm
I was privileged to serve with C 2/5 in Vietnam. Please know that all of us 2/5 vets are praying for the Colonel and his family.
Posted by: John McCorkle | June 30, 2009, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm
I am Alesia’s brother-in-law, and was the best man in their wedding. Our family wants to say thanks to all who have remembered the Karchers. Tim and Alesia will be floored with gratitude when they see all of this.
Tim is not our of the woods yet. Please remember them in your prayers, if you are so inclined.
MSG Beattie, good to hear from you. Pro Patria-Fortis et Certus!
Thank you all!
Posted by: Mick Adkins | June 30, 2009, 7:46 pm 7:46 pm
Words cannot express our shock at this development and awe at the man it happened to. We are praying for him and his family and will keep them in our thoughts. We are retired Army (both of us) and are amazed at the people like LTC Karcher and all the other soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen risking their lives for us. Thank you all!!
Posted by: Diane | June 30, 2009, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
Our hearts & prayers are with Tim, Alesia and the girls, and with his Soldiers of 2-5 CAV. We know Tim from the University of Missouri, Fort Benning, and when his unit came through JRTC. Tim’s sacrifice demonstrates our need for caution and vigilance while transitioning in Iraq – a lesson that will not go unheeded by me as I will be on my second deployment there very shortly. Speedy recovery Tim – knowing you, you’ll be running before I get back.
MSG Dinsmore
Posted by: MSG David & Kristen Dinsmore | June 30, 2009, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm
Our prayers and thoughts are with LTC Karcher and his family. LTC Karcher is one of the Army’s finest officers. Anyone who served with him will agree. LTC Karcher could say Follow Me and it would not matter where. We will follow. Retired or not!
LTC Karcher and I served together in 2001 in the Combined Arms and Tactics Directorate (CATD) 11th REGT at Fort Benning GA . Soon I hope the Karcher famiy is together again so they can spoil him and enjoy the wonderful person he is.
V/r
Jeff and Helen
Columbus, GA
Posted by: Jeff & Helen | June 30, 2009, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm
Our prayers are with LTC karcher and his family. Thank you for your service.
God Bless You,
MATT Dragicevic
1st Cav. 54-56
Posted by: Matt Dragicevic | June 30, 2009, 8:36 pm 8:36 pm
I served with LTC Karcher for a short time during his 2d deployment in Baquba when he was shot in the shoulder. He is a man you can never forget. Incredibly upbeat and fearless and impressive in stature. Godspeed we are praying for you in Nebraska.
Maj. (Ret.) Gary Maixner
previously with 2-1-5 MITT
Diyala Iraq
Posted by: Gary Maixner | June 30, 2009, 10:14 pm 10:14 pm
Praying for Lt. Karcher’s extraordinary recovery ~~and for you his precious wife and family….
Psalm 91
Matthew 21:21-22
Posted by: Barbara Rector | June 30, 2009, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
I am always amazed at the strength and love and graciousness that each Karcher family member has. I have had the honor to teach their daughters for the last three years. You are a tremendous family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Deb Carney and family
Posted by: Deb Carney | June 30, 2009, 10:53 pm 10:53 pm
Tim Karcher is an awesome man! He and his wife, used to volunteer at our school and help us with kids during Presidential Fitness Award preparation. He always made time for us to help us out and we will never forget that. Our prayers are with you and your family, Tim!
Coach Hunter and Coach Frechette
Posted by: Carol Hunter | June 30, 2009, 11:59 pm 11:59 pm
Watching the war from the safety of your living room is a surreal experience until you see a story like this. The sacrifice of all our troops in harms way is then hammered home. My nephew is a Marine and has completed one tour of Iraq. My thoughts and prayers are with Lt. Col. Karcher, his wife and daughters. In just this short interview my sense of the man Tim Karcher is that he will survive, he will walk again and he WILL live life to the fullest. God bless you and your family.
Posted by: Mary-Pat Schaefer | July 1, 2009, 1:13 am 1:13 am
Dear Mrs. Karcher:
Ma’am I’m so sorry for the pain being suffered by your husband. I can see that a lot of people are anxious for information about the Col. I will put him on the prayer list. Would you consider starting a web page for your family on CaringBridge. It is free and you can have contact with friends and family in seconds and all over the world.
Stay strong for God has each of you in his hands.
grumps
Posted by: grumps | July 1, 2009, 1:27 am 1:27 am
Behind the scenes is where a Soldier does his job. It is sad that tragedy is what it takes to compete with rubbish news. I don’t know this man, but he is my Brother in Arms. He was also my patient for a moment. May his family be assured that I witnessed only the most amazing care take place as this Soldier was transferred to me. So many had already gathered in support to where I first saw LTC Karcher. God and I took care of him for a moment, then God went with him onto the next level of care. Back to it now for rest of us. We still serve proudly. It’s time for another Patriot to heal. Thanks for carrying the baton Sir. I’m told you did it well thus far.
Posted by: just one of them | July 1, 2009, 4:32 am 4:32 am
I served with LTC Karcher at Fort Irwin and with rare exception there was no finer officer that I can think of that I served with that I would want to follow into battle. LTC Karcher has always been one of those officers who has not only just trained his men but has taken the time to look after them and their families, it is time for the us to do the same. We pray for a speedy a recovery for LTC Karcher as well we pray that his family is able to help him through the coming months of what I am sure will be trying times.
Brave & True!
Posted by: Opforsoldier | July 1, 2009, 4:44 am 4:44 am
where’s the blog about the other soldier that actually die also from his unit why we dont make a blog for every soldier that has been wounded, just because his a LTC.
Posted by: Soldier | July 1, 2009, 5:19 am 5:19 am
As a fellow 5th Cav Trooper in Vietnam, my wife and I are praying for Tim and his family and his fellow Troopers who were with him when he was wounded. Continue to fight the good fight – Thank you all for your Service to this nation and God bless
Posted by: Gene Russell | July 1, 2009, 5:50 am 5:50 am
Dear “Soldier” from the post above! Rest assured that the Karcher family and all their friends are praying for all the soldiers injured in this horrific accident, those accidents that have occured previously and those that may still happen! The Karchers are a very GODLY family and I have never witnessed them put themselves before or above anyone else. They are a true and genuine family and obviously have a great deal of love, respect and support! It would be awesome if every soldier would get a blog for his service but that doesn’t always happen! Tim Karchar is up here not because of his rank among soldiers, but because of his rank among people! A loving, caring, respectful man like Time Karcher is often hard to find!
Posted by: Carla H. | July 1, 2009, 9:12 am 9:12 am
Sir, we miss you and we are praying for you daily. When I come home on leave I hope you dont mind me coming for a visit…Jamie and I look up to you and your wife as role models. You are the kind of leader I want to be like when I’m a BC someday. Thank you for what you’ve done over here…we’ll continue the fight! Loyaty and Courage!
Posted by: 1LT Vandegriff | July 1, 2009, 10:04 am 10:04 am
Thoughts and prayers are with LtCol Tim Karcher and his beautiful family. I heard about him on Twitter, where Soldier’s Angels in Germany post about all our wounded heroes.
His story has gone viral on twitter and as such, he’s receiving the prayers of so many people who don’t know him, but now know of him.
God Bless LTC Karcher. God Bless his family. God Bless the men and women of the US Military who serve with honor, courage and dignity.
God Bless America.
Stay Strong LTC Karcher.
Posted by: Juliana Leblanc | July 1, 2009, 10:07 am 10:07 am
Everyone looks up to Lancer 6 – truly led from the front and was out front every day. We are all pulling for him.
Posted by: Clint Alexander | July 1, 2009, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm
My thoughts are with Tim and his family. I served with him 12 years ago at Hohenfels; he was great at his job and great with his friends and family. I don’t know what to say; the guys from 1-4 would all say things we can’t put on a public website. Hang in there, buddy.
Posted by: Chris Papaioannou | July 1, 2009, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm
Tim,
Stay STRONG brother! We are all here to support you. It has been awhile since we served together but it sounds like you have changed little – still a tough fighter. Alesia please let us know if I can do anything to assist you.
Posted by: John Townsend | July 1, 2009, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm
Sir, as always I will be near your side. If you need me call and I will be there.
Posted by: Tim souza | July 1, 2009, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong & courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
Posted by: Diana & Raul Gallo | July 1, 2009, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm
Tim was my battalion XO and Alesia was my FRG leader when I commanded 1-12 Cav…….and the girls were my family. We attened the same church and man were they a God send. I deployed with Tim (his second tour) and helped get him out of his gear when he was shot in the shoulder. “Sir, hold on to my knife” was is worry, Alesia gave it to him if I recall correctly. Tim, I love you and your entire family; you have my number and if you need my legs they are yours brother. V/R Mo Goins
Posted by: COL Mo Goins | July 1, 2009, 4:49 pm 4:49 pm
My heart breaks for Hero Karcher and his family. A special angel in Germany posted this story about him and my prayer warrior friends are praying for him and his family.
My son is 1-61st CAV so we are kind of partial to these brave Cavalry soldiers. We owe them everything.
God bless!
Posted by: Jill V. Smith | July 1, 2009, 4:55 pm 4:55 pm
I was Abbey’s Kindergarten teacher and got to know the Karcher’s very well. You are a wonderful family and posess such strength, love, and compassion. I know God has plans for Tim and will use him to bless others. I will continue praying for your strength through this difficult time and that God continuest to comfort you!
Love,
Mrs. Rich
Posted by: Chrissy Rich | July 1, 2009, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
Tim Karcher is one of the finest officers I have ever met. He convinced me to get my Masters Degree at Fort Leavenworth. Last saw him at Fort Benning in Spring 2008. He always had something nice to say and a smile on his face. I wish Tim and his Family a speedy recovery and know that you are in my prayers.
Posted by: LTC Alan Deogracias | July 1, 2009, 7:51 pm 7:51 pm
Please pray for our troops there. My son Joey is in his unit and in Iraq with them.
Posted by: Lisa | July 1, 2009, 11:15 pm 11:15 pm
I am friends with Tim’s sister-in-law, Lara. Their family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this critical time and throughout his rehabilitation. Americans are proud of our troops and the sacrifices they make for our country. God bless the Karchers and all the other soldiers & their families.
Posted by: Cathy Habermehl | July 1, 2009, 11:17 pm 11:17 pm
The Karchers will be in my daily prayers from now on. May God hold you all in the palm of His hand.
Posted by: Maggie Goff | July 2, 2009, 1:45 am 1:45 am
The Karcher family is an inspiration and a blessing to everyone around them. Our oldest son is a schoolmate and friend of their daughters. They are the “real deal”. They truly walk with the Lord. We know he and his wife and girls will continue to serve with great faith and strength. Godspeed. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you.
The Gibbons’
Posted by: Janice Gibbons | July 2, 2009, 7:55 am 7:55 am
Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13
Posted by: The Housewright Family | July 2, 2009, 9:21 am 9:21 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim
Karcher and his family. Words cannot
express our appreciation and gratitude
for what you’ve done for us. St. Germaine parish in Prescott Valley, Ariizona is praying for you. Thank you.
Darren and Kathy Price
Posted by: Darren and Kathy Price | July 2, 2009, 9:45 am 9:45 am
Our family has had the good fortune of being stationed with the Karcher Family four times, 7 of the past 11 years. They don’t come any better than the Karchers.
I know they have a long road ahead of them, but will come out at the end looking at this as another door that has opened – not one that has closed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them always.
My daughter has already said she pictures Mr. Tim running in the future.
Kelly, David, Carson & Brendan
Posted by: Lesperance Family | July 2, 2009, 10:03 am 10:03 am
Alesia, My thoughts and prayers to you and yours. I know in my heart Tim will recover and be the Man we know and love. I served with Tim and Mick @ FT.Irwin. Take care best wishes.
Posted by: chad rumbaugh | July 2, 2009, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
Our prayers go out to to our friend and one of the 4 orginal founding members of the Cheyenne Social club.
All pray for a speedy recovery
Moe, Jinx & Sonny
Hang in there L Tee
Posted by: Tony Moser | July 2, 2009, 2:38 pm 2:38 pm
MAJ (now LTC) Karcher was my battalion S3 during OIF II. He was one hell of a combat leader.I have no doubts that he is an amazing battalion commander, and I know his men miss his presence right now. My wife and I are praying for him, his wife and his daughters.
God bless you, sir.
CPT and Mrs. E. Balough
Posted by: E Balough | July 2, 2009, 6:40 pm 6:40 pm
Soldier, please consider adding your thoughts and prayers for SSG David to the following website:
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story/Military-Soldier-from-Gladwin-28-Dies-in-Iraq/3SPNX5TdTEaUnzRiZEcRGw.cspx
I can promise you that when LTC Karcher is told of this young man’s sacrifice, rank will not be a factor in the great loss this man will feel in his heart.
CSM and Mrs. R. Franklin
Posted by: J Franklin | July 2, 2009, 9:45 pm 9:45 pm
I went to school at Mizzou with both Tim and Alesia and have watched them travel through their careers. Both of you are strong courageous people. Please Know that there is a whole church back in Springfield Missouri praying for you and the girls! Your evident faith will prevail!
Becky Herron
Posted by: Becky & Marc Herron | July 2, 2009, 11:58 pm 11:58 pm
I was Audrey’s 4th grade Language Arts teacher. What an amazing and kind family the Karchers are. My prayers are with both LTC Karcher as he recovers and his family during this difficult time.
Posted by: Corina Kelly | July 3, 2009, 12:06 am 12:06 am
The most loving thoughts and prayers for Tim Karcher and his family. I can’t follow this story without crying every time, and I want to thank him and all those he has led so skillfully for their sacrifices. All the best to the Karchers–and may he heal with unprecedented speed.
Posted by: Kellybelle22 | July 3, 2009, 11:52 am 11:52 am
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with Tim and the Karcher family. God bless you and thank you for your service.
Posted by: il.marine mom | July 3, 2009, 11:58 am 11:58 am
God Bless Lt. Col. Tim Karcher. I Thank him for Fighting for freedom and the great sacrifices he has made on behalf of the American people. I am praying for him.
-Trace R
Posted by: Trace Ritter | July 4, 2009, 2:07 pm 2:07 pm
My Grandson was stationed with Col. Karcher. We are going to miss him. With wonderful officers like him we felt our grandson would be safe.
god bless him and his family. We are retired military. My husband served in Vietnam. It takes a strong family and I know that he has one. God Bless.
Posted by: Rosemarie Gleave | July 5, 2009, 3:10 pm 3:10 pm
We just returned from vacation and heard the news. We are praying for a speedy recovery. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for your family during this time.
The Balsinger Family
Posted by: David Balsinger | July 5, 2009, 7:30 pm 7:30 pm
I pray for our soldiers daily but this story has just touched my heart so much. I am praying for Tim to make a full recovery. I am praying for his family. I believe God has big things yet to be seen for Tim to do. I am praying for his troops faithfully. God be with all of those who are attending him throughout this orderal.
Posted by: Doris Morton | July 6, 2009, 3:24 pm 3:24 pm
LTC Karcher and I were commissioned 2LTs together at the University of Missouri. His wit and resilience kept many of us going through trying times. Keep the faith and God speed Tim, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Jon Pennington | July 6, 2009, 9:56 pm 9:56 pm
I do not know LTC Karcher but my family and church family are praying for you and your family. For Gods will in your recovery and for HIs strength in your life and the life of your loved ones. Thank you so much for your service to our country and for protecting not only us here in the USA but for protecting those that are innocent in Iraq. God Bless you LTC Tim Karcher
Posted by: Norma Biron | July 12, 2009, 6:48 am 6:48 am
Any updates on Mr. Karcher’s condition?
Him and his family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Posted by: Natalie | July 14, 2009, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm
Karchers,
Know our prayers are with you. You all are a close, strong and amazing family.
Sarah Jimenez and family
Posted by: Jimenez family | July 15, 2009, 9:46 pm 9:46 pm