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March 9, 2005
Two soldiers, two families, one warCARTER HEADS BACK TO IRAQ FOR SECOND TOUR
By BREANNE HUBBARD
The first time SPC Carter was deployed, Howard said, he was stationed overseas for almost a year. This time around, the family is expecting the same amount of leave. "They say, plan on 14 months," Howard said. If Carter does stay in Iraq for that long, he'll be involuntarily extended. Watching Carter leave for Iraq again sparked a wide variety of emotions within his family. "I have mixed feelings. I'm proud of him and I'm not anti-war," Howard said. What keeps Howard at peace is that when Carter came home from Iraq the first time, he told his family that contrary to what they see on TV, most people in Iraq actually want the soldiers over there. Howard also feels better this time around because the war has changed since Carter first deployed to the Middle East. "The first time was combat," Howard said. Just because the atmosphere has changed, war is still war. "On the other hand, if you drive your car at 100 miles per hour once, you might get away with it," Howard said. When asked how Carter felt about leaving for his second tour, Howard could only guess. "I'm sure he would have rather not (have left)," Howard said. Carter just exchanged wedding vows in January with Jillyn, a girl he met while stationed in Colorado Springs, Colo. "I like her. She's very, very bubbly," Howard said, which is the opposite of Carter, who was described as quiet but quick-witted. After only a few months of marriage, Carter had to say goodbye to his blushing bride. When Carter comes back to the U.S., he and Jillyn are going to settle down in Pahrump. "They're coming back here when he gets out," Howard said. Carter is a product of Pahrump and graduated from Pahrump Valley High School in 2001. A year after he received his diploma, Carter enlisted in the Army. The influence to enlist came from his father. Howard was also in the Army and tried to teach his children patriotism. "I would like to think I did that," he said. Once Carter comes home, he has to decide whether to re-enlist or not. Howard said Carter still isn't sure; he's postponing any decision for the time being. Currently, Carter is in the 3rd Armored Calvary and if he re-enlists, Howard said he would rather have a different job. For the most part, Howard and the rest of his family aren't worried about Carter; he has a good head on his shoulders. "Good kid. Grown up a lot since his first time," Howard said. |
