Blount and Beyond Online Magazine - Magazine - Page 9
In Memory
Lest we forget: This is dedicated to all those gallant heroes of Blount County who fought for our freedom and
never made it home. Last month we honored our heroes from the Vietnam War and this month we will look at
heroes from the Persian Gulf War and the War on Terror.
Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their Country.
Persian Gulf War 1990-1991
Michael S. Carpenter was the son of Vickie Moon Wade and Kyle Carpenter. Michael was
born on January 14, 1971, and was from Maryville, Tennessee. Michael joined the Air Force in
June, 1989. He was a Loadmaster assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing's 40th Airlift Squadron at
Pope Air Force Base. On April 28, 1992, Michael was one of nine crew members aboard a C130 airplane that crashed into Blewett Falls Lake near Rockingham, NC.
Michael is buried at Carpenter's
Campground Cemetery in Blount County.
Ssgt. Robert F. Ward, Jr. age 36 of Lakeland, FL, formerly of Friendsville, TN died at
9:55 AM, Saturday, March 3, 2001 in Pine Hurst, Georgia. He was a Flight Engineer for
the Florida Army National Guards 1st Battalion 171st Aviation Unit based in Lackland,
FL.
He was preceded in death by: Father, Robert F. Ward, Sr. Survivors include: Wife, Glenda
Ward; Daughter and Son- in-law, Sharon & Mark Grace of Friendsville; Grandson, Devin
Grace; Mother, Modean Ward; Brother-in-law, Jackie Hurst; Sisters, Cheryl Hurst and
Vanessa Ward; Grandmother, Virige Ward of Alcoa. Also, several Nieces and Nephews.
He was buried at Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Military
Chaplain St. Amour officiated the burial service.