What's this got to do with gambling? Nothing. What's this got to do with each of us? Everything.
Staff Sergeant Aaron Carroll
Explosive Ordnance Disposal, 325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida
Staff Sergeant AARON CARROLL deployed to Afghanistan from August 2010 to January 2011 in support of a joint tasking with the Marines. On November 26, 2010, while conducting route clearance operations with the 2-6 Marines in Afghanistan, an improvised explosive device struck the convoy’s number two vehicle. Sergeant Carroll and his team leader immediately dismounted and cleared a safe path to the struck vehicle.
After ensuring there were no life-threatening injuries, Sergeant Carroll began post-blast analysis. As he cleared the area around the vehicle, the Marines began searching areas off the road and collecting debris. They found a pressure plate. As Sergeant Carroll stood to look, yet another IED detonated. Only 15 feet behind him, a Marine had stepped on an IED. Sergeant Carroll rushed to his side.
Recognizing an entrapment scenario, the team leader immediately called for everyone to return to the road. Sergeant Carroll cleared the area to the injured Marine, ensuring there were no other IEDs. He talked to the grievously wounded Marine to ensure he remained conscious and began performing life-saving procedures. Sergeant Carroll reassured him that he was going to live and called for medical evacuation.
As Sergeant Carroll was applying a tourniquet to Marine’s injured legs, another blast rocked the convoy. Just 20 feet away, another Marine had stepped on an IED. This blast knocked down the EOD team leader, necessitating Sergeant Carroll to assume chief duties. Sergeant Carroll cleared a second path, checking for additional IEDs. The blast had thrown the second Marine into the blast hole of the first IED and his injuries were much more extensive. Sergeant Carroll immediately called to the other EOD team member for assistance and after applying tourniquets to the Marine’s legs, they patched a hole in his abdomen, secured his injured arm, and carried both Marines over 300 yards for evacuation.
Despite potentially life-threatening injuries, both Marines survived, due in large part to Sergeant Carroll’s composure and quick actions under intensely violent conditions. For his actions, Sergeant Carroll was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.
Aaron's mom is our very own Gail Carroll in IT. Thanks to you too, mom.
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