Team Buckley honors one of its own

  • Published
  • By Amn Nigel R. Sims
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  A charter aircraft arrived at Buckley Aug. 17 bringing Chief Warrant Officer 4, David Carter, Colorado Army National Guard Pilot, to his final resting place.

CW4 Carter assigned to Company B, 2/135th Aviation, Colorado Army National Guard, Buckley Air Force Base, was killed in action while co-piloting a helicopter in Afghanistan.

Thousands of Team Buckley lined the streets to show their respect as they prepared for the arrival of CW4 Carter. As the vehicle procession took place, members of Team Buckley rendered salutes, showing their respect and unyielding support for our fallen service member.

"Seeing the flag-draped coffin, the glimpse of the aircraft, that's when it hits you that it's real," said Col. Chris Petty, Colorado Army National Guard Aviation.

"With the planeside honors today, it is something that brings it all home. Every now and again

most of us are going to be put in dangerous situations and we just have to remember what our

obligations are to our country," said Senior Airman Benjamin Young, Comptroller journeyman.

"It is definitely hard to see it happen because it is a sad and tragic event."

"As a whole it brings members of Team Buckley closer," said Young.

"I feel Buckley has done a really good job in showing their respects. I want everyone to remember their obligations to the country and why they signed up and why their attitude needs to reflect other people's."

Mr. John Spann, 460th Space Wing Public Affairs Officer, contributed to this article.