My walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Navy EOD1 Sean Carson, Age 32 of Des Moines, WA.
KIA Aug. 16, 2012 Operation Enduring Freedom
Assigned to an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit based out of San Diego, California
Navy EOD1 Sean Carson died August 16, 2012 when the Black Hawk helicopter he was traveling in was shot down during a firefight with insurgents in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan
Sean Carson grew up in Des Moines, Washington. After having some run-ins with the law, Sean decided that he wanted to turn his life around. After talking with a recruiter, he earned his GED and joined the Navy in May 1999. “He was a big, shy kid,” said his father, Pat Carson. “When he first joined, he wanted to be a SEAL.” He was recognized by his superior officers as being a good kid and after ten years, Sean became an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Tech in 2009 supporting Naval Special Warfare units. After several tours as part of Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn and Enduring Freedom, Sean selflessly volunteered to fill a critical manpower gap and was assigned as an EOD team leader deploying to Afghanistan. During this deployment from December 2011 to August 2012, Sean received the Bronze Star with Valor for his heroic achievements in connection with combat operations against the enemy.
Although his list of accomplishments were extensive, it wasn’t all that Sean Carson was. As his father had noted, Sean was a father and husband, dedicated to his family above all else. “When his daughter was born, that’s when he really changed his attitude about things,” said Pat. “He was focused in a different direction. His daughter was his entire life.”
We had an amazing walk this morning. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us this morning. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero. It was amazing and thank you all so very much.
EOD1 Sean Carson will not be forgotten !
