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UPDATE: More Details on Karcher's Attack and Rescue
July 01, 2009 11:44 AM
ABC’s Martha Raddatz reports with an update on Lieutenant Colonel Tim Karcher:
LTC Tim Karcher is still in intensive care at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, but his vital signs remain stable. I have learned more about the events that surrounded his injury, made more tragic by the death of a sergeant who had been part of Karcher’s rescue.
LTC Karcher was riding in an MRAP just before noon on Sunday, June 28th. The MRAP is considered the Army’s heaviest and safest personnel carrier. But the multiple and powerful EFPs (explosively formed penetrator), those Iranian made shaped charge that penetrate metal, struck the door near where Karcher was seated. His legs were gone. Normally a medevac helicopter would be called, but the soldiers were socked in by a dust storm, and nothing was flying. Karcher would have to be driven to Baghdad’s combat support hospital, or CSH as it is known. Tourniquets were quickly applied in the field, but when he arrived at the CSH Karcher was in shock and losing blood. Doctors at the CSH were finally able to stabilize him Monday morning when he was transferred to Balad air base for further medical care and then transferd to Landstuhl. When Karcher was loaded onto the plane for Landstuhl, those with him say he looked “strong and stable.”
Throughout his time in the CSH, Karacher was surrounded by men from his unit, including his Command Sergeant Major Richard Franklin. Tragically, when these soldiers headed back to their sector after heroically delivering their severely wounded battalion commander to the hospital, their patrol was struck by a huge EFP and small arms fire. 28-year old Sergeant Timothy David, of Gladwin, Michigan, was struck and gravely wounded. His men fought to save him, but he died en route to Balad air base. A terrible, terrible day for the soldiers of 2-5 Cavalry Division.
I have also learned that in addition to getting shot in the shoulder two years ago, LTC Karcher was struck by a roadside bomb in December of 2006 in Baqubah while delivering blankets, stuffed animals and fuel to Iraqis as part of a military training team. The driver of LTC Karcher’s vehicle, Sgt. Jay R. Gauthreaux, 26, of Thibodaux, La was killed. Read this account by Anna Mulrine from US News who was riding in the convoy.
You can read Martha's earlier reports on Karcher HERE and HERE.
July 1, 2009 in Tim Karcher | Permalink | Share | User Comments (28)
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I will pray for Lt. Col. Karcher daily, for his medical team and for all those involved in his care. This brave soldier who has given so much is a hero.
Posted by: Janet DeWitt | Jul 1, 2009 12:52:00 PM
Thank you for the updates, Martha. I continue to pray for LTC Karcher.
My thoughts and prayers are also with the family of SGT Timothy David, and all the men and women of 2-5 Cav.
Posted by: MaryAnn Phillips | Jul 1, 2009 1:59:07 PM
i thank every one that is praying for us at 2-5 cav. and really thankful for the prayers for Ltc. Karcher and his family.
Posted by: pfc william jordan | Jul 1, 2009 4:31:30 PM
God Bless Ltc Karcher and his family. I pray for his family and his recovery. I am Thankful for his service.
Posted by: julie | Jul 1, 2009 4:44:17 PM
I had the privelege to care for LTC Karcher in the Intensive Care Unit at the 10th CSH, Baghdad- throughout the night. Such a strong will and presence was notable. Even as we struggled through the night with maintaining his blood pressure, he remained calm and extruded an aura of resolve. My prayers are with you Sir, and your family.
Posted by: CPT Michael Campbell | Jul 1, 2009 6:21:57 PM
I served with then-MAJ Karcher in 2-7 Cav in 2004-2005; moreover, his dad Ray taught in my high school when I was there, though I didn't know Tim at that time. I was floored when I first read about this...I love that big ol' guy and his family. We'll be taking a trip down to Killeen to see him as soon as he gets back and gets after his rehab. Meanwhile, the Karcher family remains in our hearts and prayers...Alesia, please contact me thru AKO when you can.
Posted by: CSM (Ret) Tim Mace | Jul 1, 2009 6:32:54 PM
LTC Karcher was my battalion commnder all of us at 2-5 cav continue to pray for him andd his family. We miss you. We will move on and finish this deployment.
Posted by: Pvt Dittmar | Jul 1, 2009 6:35:09 PM
Dear LTC Karcher Im praying for your & your family I live in Cedar Park which is part of Austin & is close to Ft Hood/Killeen We had our 4th of July service & had several members from the 1st & 4th Cav & also a Marine by the name of Kevin Oxner who has been wounded several times while in Iraq I think he did 3 tours Get well soon & it will good to have you back in TX & Ft Hood/Killeen
Posted by: Michael | Jul 1, 2009 7:39:58 PM
I deployed with LTC Karcher during his 2nd deployment to Diyala province, Iraq. He is truly the epitome of strength. Serving together on the 3BCT, 1CD staff, Tim was a mentor from afar as he served on the MiTT - helping provide amazing perspective, encouragement and hope during our fight in Diyala. God, his family and his Soldiers are clearly priority in his life as he always focuses on placing others first. While my heart aches for Tim and his family, the Karcher family's strength will prevail. As he did with his shoulder, I know Tim will turn his injuries into motivation and blessings - reaching out to help others through his struggles. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls, Sir.
Greywolf!
Posted by: Serena Hayden | Jul 1, 2009 10:17:41 PM
Dear LTC Karcher , Sir i cannot express my gratitude to you for the service and sacrifice you ve given to this country aside from simply stating God Bless you and the rest of the servicemen and women over there . I ll keep you all in my prayers .
Posted by: Chad M. | Jul 1, 2009 11:51:10 PM
Tim,
I am praying very hard for you my brother. I know your faith is strong and that God is taking care of you, Alesia, and the girls. Stay strong in the spirit and rememberr the Lord has said "I will never leave you or forsake you". You are an inspiration to me and many, many others. We love you, get well soon. Michael
Posted by: Michael Apodaca | Jul 2, 2009 9:54:39 AM
Praying very hard for LTC Karcher, his family, his men, and for the family of Sergeant Timothy David now too. :( But the rest of you, know we love & support you, and are proud of you. Blessings to all.
Posted by: Lori Bee | Jul 2, 2009 10:40:57 AM
Tim was with 2-7 CAV when I met him in Iraq in 2004. I was part of the 39th Infantry Brigade of the Arkansas National Guard and Tim's unit was attached to us. To me, he is a great example of what an officer should be. I always remember his smile and his total professionalism. I will be praying for him and his family. I also want to thank the medical team that has helped Tim.
Posted by: John C. Edwards | Jul 2, 2009 11:50:44 AM
Words cannot express the things I am feeling inside. It’s still the “this doesn’t happen to us” feeling that you have. Especially to have it happens more then once to thesame family.
I want to extend my most sincere prayers out the entire Karcher Family. How one family can be so strong and faithful in this time of tragedy. I can only commend you for your strength in knowing that God will pull you all through this. And I am so very greatful to know that you have such a wonderful support group behind you. And I am honored to be a part of that, in any way that we can. God Bless You, your family, and your unit.
The Beers Family
Posted by: Kim Beers | Jul 2, 2009 12:43:40 PM
My whole family is trying 2 help out our neighbor (Mrs.Karcher)we have prayed 4 him so we hope they get though these tuff times.
Posted by: Reniker's | Jul 2, 2009 12:47:21 PM
Tim and Alesa,
It was a sad day when I heard of the explosion. I know that you will pull through this recovery period and surprise everyone involved. It does not surprise me that your unit was assigned to Sadar City. You always lead from the front and you were there for your troopers. Hope to see you back in Central Texas soon.
Black Knights!
Beau & Claudia
Posted by: Beau & Claudia Beauchamp | Jul 2, 2009 2:00:48 PM
To Tim Karcher - we thank you for protecting our country and the world. Thank you for your sacrifice.
To Mrs. Karcher and their girls - Be strong. God has blessed your family and everything will be ok. You have so much support from all those around you. You and the girls have our thanks as well.
Posted by: The Budzisz's | Jul 2, 2009 4:23:06 PM
One of the best leaders and role models i have had the privalege to serve under my prayers go to LTC Karcher and his family!
Posted by: SPC PHILLIPS | Jul 2, 2009 4:50:52 PM
We can never repay what your family has given up for this country. To Mrs. K and girls - remember that God loves your soldier even more than you do and He will sustain you all. Your husband and dad is still a brave man and will love you and need you when he awakens. Be brave and know that a grateful nation prays for you.
Posted by: Bonnie Murphy | Jul 2, 2009 4:58:27 PM
ME AND MY BROTHER ANDREW SERVE HERE TOGETHER IN SADR CITY AND HAVE HAD THE PRIVLEGE NAY THE HONOR OF SERVING WITH LTC KARCHER AND SSG DAVID WE WILL MOURN AND MISS YOU BOTH BUT WE WILL CONTINUE THE FIGHT. MY BROTHER WAS ON THAT TRUCK AND IAM THANKFULL FOR HIM STILL STANDING TALL AND LOOKIN GOOD NEXT TO ME I LOVE YOU ALL 2-5 SCOUTS AND MORTARS
Posted by: SPC spurrell | Jul 2, 2009 9:37:08 PM
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