Aug. 19, 2011, was a day few will soon forget.

The preceding two weeks had been filled with sorrow and remorse along with reflection and praise.  

The walkways outside the church were lined with American flags welcoming all who had come to say farewell. Eyes were dry but somber as service members, family and friends mingled in the foyer among tables and walls filled with photos paying tribute to the hero who had yet to arrive.

But the day would wait for him and so would the emotions of those in attendance. It was time to honor this man; a warrior, brother, father, son, husband and friend, who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the freedom that he so highly believe in.

That man was Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dave Carter. For those who knew him – even those who didn’t – the toughest part of the day was yet come.

On Aug. 6, Carter’s life came to an abrupt end; one that many fear but few experience in such a manner.

Carter was a CH-47 Chinook pilot, a member of Detachment 1, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation, Colorado Army National Guard.

Deployed with his unit in Afghanistan, Carter was the co-pilot of a Chinook carrying 29 fellow Americans and eight Afghan soldiers that crashed in Wardak Province following alleged enemy fire.

The incident was immediately labeled as the worst single loss of military life since operations began in the country 10 years ago.

There is no doubt however, that Carter died doing what he loved: flying. This was his second combat deployment, and according to all who knew him, he was an extraordinary Soldier and a phenomenal pilot.

“He was one of the best high-altitude pilots in the world,” said Army Chaplain (Capt.) Dave Nagel, the battalion chaplain and friend of the Carter family.

Carter’s body returned home Aug. 18. Family and friends gathered at Buckley Air Force Base to welcome the fallen pilot as his flag-draped coffin was lowered from a chartered jet. Hundreds of men and women representing all five service branches lined Buckley’s streets, elbow to elbow, to pay their respects as his motorcade passed.

“The loss of Dave Carter is a tragedy that affects the entire Colorado National Guard family,” said the Adjutant General of Colorado Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards. “We mourn not only for him, but for all these brave men and their families, whose grief is unimaginable.”

Carter’s friends portrayed him as a giver, stating that he didn’t know how to say no. His passion was for his family, his friends and flying. His mustache-laced smile and twinkling blue eyes could light up a room, and that’s what people remember the best about him.  He was a skilled pilot with more than 700 combat flight hours under his belt and he was dedicated to saving lives.

In a letter sent home by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andy Bellotti, currently serving in Afghanistan with the 2-135 GSAB, described Carter as “the cornerstone of the company.”

“He is irreplaceable. He was the teacher and the master aviator. The foundation. He loved all of us and helped us with everything. His integrity is unshapeable. He helped maintain the family that is Bravo Company, 2-135th Aviation,” he said.

The tough part had now arrived and as the ceremony came to close the aforementioned dry eyes were dry no more. It was time for Carter’s final “HOOAH!”

What seemed like a mile-long motorcade left the church bound for Fort Collins, Colo. Fire trucks from more than 30 surrounding Colorado towns lined the interstate with personnel and trucks to pay honors to their fallen neighbor as he was carried to his final resting place.  

After the 21-gun salute and ceremonial missing man formation, Carter’s mission was complete. His new assignment: to watch over those who continue to serve.

The legacy of Dave Carter will live on. From the pilots he trained and children he raised to the impressions left on those who knew him, Carter is a hero and will forever be a wonderful memory. 

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dave Carter, you will not be forgotten.