Tim Karcher - Unsung American Hero

It is men like this that have kept this country free and strong since it's beginning. Never asking more than a " thank you" and a pat on the back. Well they all deserve more than this and this man, even though he deserves more, is the type that would say that thier just doing their job. It's more than a job it's a mind set.

LTC Karcher is indeed a hero. He is also the kind of man you'd want as a friend, father, or husband. He is the "real deal". Guts, honesty, selflessness, duty, humility, all these describe this great American. Pray for his recovery and for his family. Also pray for the family of Tim's driver who lost his life.

Colonel Melody, I would like to take this opportunity to underscore your comments.

Lieutenant Colonel Karcher was my company commander back when I was in Hohenfels, Germany in 1997. He was truly one of the most professional officers I have ever had the privilege of working for. It was a joy to work for him, and I am a better man for having known him.

This is terrible news (I learned of this a few days ago from friends), but I am happy that he is still alive. He and his family have some tough days ahead and I will pray for them (as well as for the family of his driver).

The nation is a better place having men like Lieutenant Colonel Tim "Bull" Karcher defending it.

Shane

P.S. The commenter Paul Melody is Colonel Paul Melody (U.S. Army retired), and he was LTC Karcher's battalion commander in Hohenfels many years ago. I had the honor of working for both of these men during my tenure there. These men were extremely influential in my own professional growth and development.

UPDATE

By now LTC Tim Karcher should be back in the United States. He left Germany earlier today.

Unsung no more-- thanks for spreading the word. God bless him and his family, and his driver.

Tim is truly our best. A leader devoted to his men and got the same loyalty returned always. Multiple combat tours and continually keeping himself in harm's way, courageously leading his troopers. Not a unique story in our Army, but Tim towers over all.
My thoughts and prayers to Tim and his family during his recovery. I know when these hard months are past he will remain a force in life. It is my privilege to know him.

ps. Many of us have served under the wise and very able leadership of Paul Melody, who made sure we were ALL set up for success in our futures.

So why is it the soldier gets nothing more than "killed his driver"?

Dave,

Because that is all the information I had. As soon as I find out more about the driver, I will tell his story too.

LTC Karcher (CPT Then), was my company commander in Hohenfels. I had the honor of working for him as his Training NCO for a little over a year. Although he didn't care much for the "paperwork" side of Army, he is an awesome leader and motivated all who came into contact with him. I pray for him and his family and all those out there who are in still harms way.

ALL:

My name is Mick Adkins. Tim and I were best buds as LTs, and I was the best man in his wedding, and married his sister-in-law. I have an update for you.

Tim is at Walter Reed, still in ICU, as of this. He has had some serious issues with a bloodborne infection and fever, respritatory distress, kidney function, anaesthesia, and a host of others. Alesia tells me that he is much better today. We were seriously sweating bullets for a couple of days.

Tim's sense of humor and humility are undiminished. He is a tough dude, but a great man. When one of the nurses told him that he needed to do something, he responded, "Whatever you say jumpmaster".

She thought he had a head injury. but didn't know that it waqs his typical demented sense of humor.

Your continued prayers for his recovery, and the families of those men who were killed, are greatly appreciated. Those who know him will tell you that Tim has always been about the soldiers.

His family is well taken care of, and Alesia is by his side for the duration of his recovery.

LTC Melody, I never had the priviledge, but Tim has always had nothing but good things to say about you. You were a mentor and role model for him. Thanks for your tuteledge.

Shane, I was the guy you ran into at the ice cream shop in KC. Sorry for not calling you about the news, but i was kinda busy. I will try calling you this weekend.

Thanks, all, for the support.

Mick,

I have been to see Tim three times. My most recent visit was last Saturday, 18 July. He was awake and could talk as they had taken out the tubes and breathing apparatus. Alesia has posted that he is now in another ward, out of the ICU. Praise God! I hope to speak with him today. Alesia is a rock of strength and love--an absolutely unbelievable woman.

Paul Melody

Tim was my first company commander when I was a new platoon leader, and I couldn't have asked for better. He and I were just trying to figure out how to get together over here when this happened. I'll stop by and try to see him in a few weeks at Reed. Its good to hear from the rest of you. Tim continues to be a great example to me, and I wish him and Alesia all the best as he recovers.

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It was a very nice idea! Just wanna say thank you for the information you have shared. Just continue writing this kind of post. I will be your loyal reader. Thanks again.

He is a true hero. I am so proud of him and his bravery is just simply remarkable. My husband was a Chaplain in the army and still is a Chaplain for the federal government. We will pray for him and his family always. We pray for his recovery and just want to let him and his family know that they are so loved. He is the best of the best. To everyone who has served in the military thank you so much for serving our country. God Bless all of you. Happy holiday's and have a blessed New Year. To all the fallen soldiers you will always be remember for the great sacrifice that you have made for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Tim Karcher was my instructor at the Infantry Officers Advanced Course. He was an excellent role model and an officer to emulate! He is one of America's best and I wish I had the chance to serve under his command to learn and develop. I know he will continue to inspire those around him in any capacity. God Bless him, his family and all of the soldiers!

As a member of a military family, I've met LTC Karcher on a few base occasions though he was barely home and mostly deployed. In jeans and rubber shoes, LTC Tim is very humble and friendly. Since his tragic accident, I've heard of several servicemen in uniform who've known him and had served with him profess their respect for this soldier's soldier; "i'll take a round for that guy anytime".

As a member of a military family, I've met LTC Karcher on a few base occasions though he was barely home and mostly deployed. In jeans and rubber shoes, LTC Tim is very humble and friendly. Since his tragic accident, I've heard of several servicemen in uniform who've known him and had served with him profess their respect for this soldier's soldier; "i'll take a round for that guy anytime".

I was watching a channel when I saw and I was stuck when I heard this sad story. As the story continued, I kept looking at the person (Lt Col Karcher) and it donned on me. This is Lt Karcher whom I have had the privilege of knowing when I was serving with the OPFOR at Fort Irwin, CA. This was the SFC Matau era at 1/52. I was with HHC 1/52 INF and I believe the then Lt Karcher was with B Co. He used to frequent our Recovery site following up on his men and vehicle/s. I respected him a lot not because of his rank but because of his professionalism, respect, and "lead by example" leadership trait. It's sad to learn that this has happened to Lt Col Karcher but I'm certain that he will overcome his current condition and continue to serve the Army well. Not to undermine serving his family, as well. Maybe I'll see you again sometime, Lt. Go Cav!!! Hoahh!!!

Respectfully yours,

Paul "Sgt A" Alcordo
Recovery Section, HHC 1/52 INF
Fort Irwin, CA
91-94

Although Tim received his terrible wounds last July, I have only just become aware of his story, and stand in awe of his courage and honour under extreme duress. Patriots,Warriors such as Tim are role models for all of us. Certainly, Tim is the kind of person I think of when I hear the descriptor 'American', not all the dissenters who would bring a mighty nation like America down, that seem to dominate the news and gossip columns that are so prevalent today. God Bless Tim, and his family (his wife, also embodies ALL that it really means to BE a wife!), and God Bless America - Home of the Brave, Land of the Free!