Burley, Idaho, US
United States Army
MAJ, G/3 of the Middle East Command
Tacoma, US, 03/08/2009
Major Shawn R. Carder of Burley passed away unexpectedly in Twin Falls on Sunday, March 8, 2009. He was 43.
Shawn was born May 3, 1965, the second of six children, to William and Judy Carder. He attended schools in Burley. While at Burley High School, Shawn excelled in football, wrestling and track. Shawn went on to attend Western Montana College in Dillon, Montana, on a football scholarship. While at WMC, Shawn earned a bachelor’s degree in education. He taught high school social studies and coached football for one year in Montana.
In 1990, Shawn enlisted in the United States Army. He was then accepted into Officer Candidate School. Out of OCS, he went to Jump School and Ranger School. His first assignment was at Fort Rich, Alaska, with the 502nd Airborne as a Mortar Platoon commander. He spent three years there. He was promoted to captain and assigned to Fort Collins, Colo., as company commander of Bradley’s. He was then transferred to Atlanta, Ga., into the G/3 of the Middle East Command. Shawn was then chosen to be the Aide de Camp for the Deputy Commander of the Middle East Command. As the general’s aide, he traveled throughout the Middle East, including the southern former Soviet Union. After 9-11, he went to Afghanistan with the general and was among the first American forces there. He spent approximately six months there.
Shawn went on to attend the War College. Because of injuries sustained in an automobile accident, Shawn was transferred to Fort Lewis, Wash., where he was put on the Temporary Retirement List. Shawn was on that list at the time of his death.
He was a decorated officer, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal twice, the Army Commendation Medal three times, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Kuwait and the Expeditionary Medal for the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan. He also earned Jump Wings, Ranger Tab and an Expert Infantry Badge.
In 1996, Shawn married Kate Grieg, and to this union were two of the most precious girls to ever be born. Shawn adored his girls. Alyda Grace and Meghan Rae were the center of Shawn’s world. Shawn and Kate were later divorced.
In the fall of 2008, Shawn married DeLisa Garrod in Burley. They were married at the time of his death. Shawn loved being outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, gardening and running, especially in the rain. He had a deep love for all of God’s creations; he especially loved his faithful four-legged friend, Kodiak. Shawn loved his country and felt honored to have served it.
Shawn was loved much by many family and friends and will be missed greatly.
Comments