Alex Carson
United States Military
The soldiers who enlist in the United States military make a huge sacrifice for our country. They leave their friends and family members behind to head off to train, and in some cases, to battle. When soldiers enlist, they understand that there are no guarantees that they will make it home uninjured and alive. The fact that these soldiers know the risks and still join the military makes them heroes before even going to battle.
William Kyle Carpenter
William Kyle Carpenter enlisted in the United States Marines shortly after graduating from high school. At the age of 21, he earned the rank of Lance Corporal. In 2010, like many members of the military, he was sent to war in Afghanistan. He was ready to go and understood the risks when getting there.
William’s Sacrifice
While in Afghanistan, William and his fellow soldiers were sent to a town that was under fire. During the fight, the enemy threw a grenade right by William and his fellow soldier. William made a
William’s Wounds
William saved the life of his fellow soldier, but he suffered severe and devastating injuries in the process. His body was riddled with shrapnel, and many of his bones in his face and skull were shattered. He ended up losing part of his jaw, his lungs collapsed, and he
Medals
Because of his bravery, William was awarded the Purple Heart, which is a tremendous honor in the military. President Barack Obama awarded him the Medal of Honor, which is the most prestigious honor any soldier in the military can receive.
7 Years Later
On the seventh anniversary of his heroic act, William posted a photo on Instagram. The photo showed him and the scars that he suffered during the attack. He is also holding his medal. The added a caption to his photo that read, “7 years ago today I was bleeding out on top of a dusty roof in Afghanistan. As I laid there, struggling for air, I thought about my family, said a prayer, and let the world and life fade away. Seven years later, I’m so thankful and appreciative for every second I have been given. From the moment I woke up in the hospital to today, I am equally as thankful for the people that have been there ever since. To my family, my friends, my doctors, my medics, and my Marines, thank you for always loving and supporting me. You have helped heal and make me into who I am today, and for that, I will forever be grateful.”
Honorably Discharged
Due to the severity of William’s injuries, he was no longer able to serve in the military. This is a tough thing for any soldier to hear, but William understood that his time in the military had come to an end. He knew that he had a long road ahead of him; therefore, he accepted his fate. The army listed him as “Honorably Discharged,” which means that he performed service in an honorable fashion, and his time in the military was ended on a positive note.
Next Phase
When William was healed, he decided that it was time to move on to the next phase in his life. He applied to the University of South Carolina, where he was accepted. Today, he is studying for his degree. This was always his post-military plan, but he never expected to end up in college this.
Thankful
William never expected to find himself in college scarred both physically and emotionally, but he says that he is thankful. Each time he walks on campus, he is happy that he is able to walk and that he is alive.
Wouldn’t Change a Thing
William says that although he is scarred and he lives with what happened that day in Afghanistan, he wouldn’t change a thing. He says that he doesn’t regret the sacrifice he made that day because his fellow soldier was able to live another day. He was able to go home to his family and friends, and it was William who made this possible. He says that it was a long road, but it was all worth it. He believes that it was his destiny to save his fellow soldier that day. Brave soldier jumps on
