Fort Carson’s efforts and sacrifices in Afghanistan
By
david-bittonApril 13, 2021 | updated 5 years ago
Medal of Honor recipient, retired Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha applauds in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, as President Barack Obama spoke about the soldiers lost during an attack on Combat Outpost Keating. Romesha's leadership during a daylong attack by hundreds of fighters on Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan led to award.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Thousands of Fort Carson soldiers have served in Afghanistan since 9/11 and at least 88 were killed during what’s become America’s longest war, which President Joe Biden announced Tuesday will end as the last troops leave the country by the 20th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil.
Three Fort Carson soldiers have been awarded the Medal of Honor – the highest and most prestigious military decoration – for their heroic efforts during battle in Afghanistan.
Clint Romesha and Ty Carter, both former staff sergeants, were part of an outnumbered cavalry troop that faced off against hundreds of insurgents who stormed Combat Outpost Keating in a daylong battle in eastern Afghanistan on Oct. 3, 2009. With eight dead, it was the deadliest battle for Fort Carson soldiers since Vietnam and the first time two military members won the medal for the same battle since Vietnam.
Former Capt. Florent “Flo” Groberg saved the lives of about two dozen on Aug. 8, 2012, when he tackled one of two suicide bombers in Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar Province. Groberg was injured when the second suicide bomber detonated early, killing four.
Medal of Honor recipient, retired Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha applauds in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, as President Barack Obama spoke about the soldiers lost during an attack on Combat Outpost Keating. Romesha’s leadership during a daylong attack by hundreds of fighters on Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan led to award.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (Pablo Martinez Monsivais)President Barack Obama awards US Army Staff Sgt. Ty M. Carter the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry, Monday, Aug. 26, 2013, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Carter received the medal for his courageous actions while serving as a cavalry scout with Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations in Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on Oct. 3, 2009. Carter is the fifth living recipient to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (Jacquelyn Martin)President Barack Obama applauds after bestowing the nation’s highest military honor, the Medal of Honor to Florent Groberg during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015. The former Army captain received the medal after he tackled a suicide bomber while serving in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
