BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (8/18/11) – A charter aircraft arrived at Buckley Aug. 17 bringing Chief Warrant Officer 4 David R. Carter, a Colorado Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilot, home.

Carter was a member of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation, located on Buckley Air Force Base. He was killed in action Aug. 6 in Afghanistan.

Thousands of Team Buckley members lined the streets to show their respect as they prepared for the Carter’s arrival. As the vehicle procession took place, members of Team Buckley rendered salutes, showing their respect and unyielding support for their fallen Soldier.

"Seeing the flag-draped coffin, the glimpse of the aircraft, that's when it hits you that it's real,"
said COARNG Col. Chris Petty, commander of the Army Aviation Support Facility on Buckley.

"With the planeside honors today, it is something that brings it all home. Every now and again, most of us are going to be put in dangerous situations and we just have to remember what our obligations are to our country," said Senior Airman Benjamin Young, Comptroller journeyman. "

John Spann, 460th Space Wing Public Affairs Officer, contributed to this article.