The Carner Family

U.S. Army Spc. Tim Carner enlisted in the military in 2010. Shortly after his basic training, Carner was stationed at Ft. Wainwright, Alaska before being deployed to Afghanistan in May 2011.

During the first four months of his deployment, there were minimal amount of supplies, including food and water, available to Carner and his fellow soldiers. Therefore, Carner would always carry supplies with him—such as 1,500 rounds of ammunition, ten bottles of water, two frag grenades and many other tools—to ensure that he and the rest of the soldiers had what they needed. At one point, he carried an additional 126 pounds of supplies.

On December 13, 2011 while on a dismounted patrol, Carner stepped on 33 pounds of homemade explosives. Following the blast, he was taken to Ft. Sam Houston to receive physical and mental treatment. Some of Carner’s injuries include a traumatic brain injury (TBI), right thigh muscle loss, left leg below knee amputation, back pain and arthritis in both knees.

As a result of his service, Carner received multiple awards including a Purple Heart. Carner currently lives in Illinois with his wife, Brittani, and their son, Timmy.