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UPDATE: A Soldier Fights for Life
June 30, 2009 3:18 PM
Martha 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.
June 30, 2009 in Tim Karcher | Permalink | Share | User Comments (61)
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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 | Jun 30, 2009 3:34:23 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 | Jun 30, 2009 3:59:32 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. | Jun 30, 2009 4:05:05 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 | Jun 30, 2009 4:34:51 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 | Jun 30, 2009 5:42:14 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. | Jun 30, 2009 5:47:59 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 | Jun 30, 2009 6:32:28 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 | Jun 30, 2009 7:10:12 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 | Jun 30, 2009 7:11:48 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 | Jun 30, 2009 7:17:44 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 | Jun 30, 2009 7:25:43 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 | Jun 30, 2009 7:46:03 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 | Jun 30, 2009 8:04:09 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 | Jun 30, 2009 8:28:55 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 | Jun 30, 2009 8:31:30 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 | Jun 30, 2009 8:36:10 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 | Jun 30, 2009 10:14:48 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 | Jun 30, 2009 10:22:22 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 | Jun 30, 2009 10:53:39 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 | Jun 30, 2009 11:59:47 PM
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