I sat on the sidelines through countless floats and other assignments. However, on the day of "Shock and Awe" in 2003 was one of the single most terrifying days of my life. I was absolutely terrified while watching television. I just kept thinking, "I have just witnessed the moment my brother has gone to war." I didn't sleep. I was worried sick about what was happening to him. The questions that kept rolling around in my head were, "Is he scared? Is he safe? Is he alone? Please god, don't let anything happen to my brother." All along, Ken kept telling me that if anything happens to him, just know that it was out of his control.
His second tour actually scared me more that his first. I knew that the enemy had regrouped and was making it more difficult for the Marines to stay safe. I had to make myself stop watching the news. However, when FOX news did a documentary on the Battle of Fallujah and I saw my brother doing the Marine thing, I was beside myself.
The third tour was just as nerve racking. I mean, come on, the more you put yourself in harms way, the more the odds of something happening go up. I know he was in charge of over 300 successful operations during that time. But, thankfully, I wasn't aware of that fact until after he came home. And on my 31st birthday, I got the best gift ever. My brother was home safe and sound. I have thanked God everyday for that blessing.
Kenny was then transferred to Amphibious Assault Schools Battalion in California. Molding the next generation of Amphibious Marines is now his job. Not to sound bias, but he is damn good at his job. I have never seen someone so dedicated to every facet of the definition of Marine. Honor and integrity are the rules he lives by. Kenneth Samuel Carman is my superhero. He is better than any Superman, Iron Man, or Captain America, because he is a real human being doing great things. What he does in his everyday life, truly makes a difference in our world. I strive every single day to be just as honorable as my brother. There are no words to express just how truly proud I am to be his sister. My hero, my Marine; SSGT. Kenneth S. Carman!
Graduation from boot camp Oct. 26, 1997
