Community Corner

Welcome Home U.S. Army Cpl Russell "Rusty" Carter

Join the community in welcoming home wounded warrior Army Specialist Russell L. Carter.

The , and will escort Army Specialist Russell L. Carter in an honor procession from the University of Pennsylvania Hospital Saturday, April 14 at noon, arriving at his home at 355 Orchard Road at 1 p.m.

Police Chief Joseph Daly sent out a message via the Friday night asking residents to join in welcoming him home.

Find out what's happening in Springfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fourth Ward Commissioner Paul Wechsler encouraged residents to welcome, salute and give thanks to Carter at the meeting April 10. He said the board plans to formally recognize Carter, a Purple Heart recipient, via resolution at an upcoming meeting.

A Hero's Welcome's website states the motorcade will include 20 to 30 vehicles with family and friends. The Warriors' Watch Riders will also participate in the escort from Philadelphia. 

Find out what's happening in Springfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In Springfield, the procession will move from Woodland Avenue to Bishop Avenue, to Springfield Road, to Powell Road, to Leamy Avenue onto Orchard Road, which will be closed down. Parking will be limited in the immediate area.

From the Springfield Press:

Army Specialist Russell (Rusty) L. Carter served as a member of the 101st Airborne Division and was deployed to Afghanistan In July of 2010. He came under hostile fire and ultimately suffering a concussion. A month after being treated from his wounds he returned to his unit. On Jan. 2, 2011 while returning from a night mission, Rusty was in the torrent of his Humvee when, after experiencing mechanical problems, it went over the side of an unprotected bridge, crashing into a ravine and coming to rest in the river bed 50 feet below. The five other soldiers on board sustained recoverable injuries. Rusty was not so fortunate he suffered several broken bones, severe lacerations to his face and skull and a complete C 4 separation of the spine.

Since the incident he has undergone spinal and neck surgeries, but his injuries have left him paralyzed from the elbows down. Rusty has been undergoing extensive rehabilitation for his injuries and although his body has been paralyzed his spirit and determination have not diminished.


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