A solider from Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Spokane-born Staff Sgt. Ty Carter of will be one of only a handful of living American soldiers to receive the nation’s highest military honor. The Army says US troops were far outnumbered that day in 2009 at Combat Outpost Keating in eastern Afghanistan. During the battle the Army says Carter killed enemy troops and risked his own life to save an injured soldier pinned down by a barrage of enemy fire.
Carter says the award belongs to everyone who fought that day. He spoke with reporters about the impact that the war has had on him. The father of three says he’s in counseling for post-traumatic stress. Carter says he hopes his story will help other soldiers get help if they need it.
“Post-traumatic stress isn’t something that just disappears. It’s not going to be easy, and it’s gonna take a while but you will improve. You will do a lot better. You just need to go and get the help you need," Carter said. Carter said he hopes to be able to talk with soldiers directly about their struggle as part of his new role in the Army.
Carter served in the Marine Corps before enlisting in the Army. President Barack Obama is scheduled to award the medal to Carter next month in a ceremony at the White House.
