Fort Carson-based soldier killed in Baghdad explosion
Family remembers his strength, passion for serving country
Felix Doligosa Jr., Rocky Mountain News
Published March 17, 2007 at midnight
Chris Wortman wears a silver dog tag that holds a picture of her two sons.
"I have a dog tag by my heart," Wortman said. "Now I have another inside my heart."
Her son, Army Sgt. Robert M. Carr, 22, died Tuesday when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq, the military announced Friday. Carr, of Warren, Ohio, was stationed at Fort Carson.
"He was so full of life," Wortman said. "He was probably one of the proudest persons to put on the uniform."
Carr was born in Ohio and grew up in Champion Township. He was the middle of five children.
Carr was always active in sports while growing up. He played football, power-lifted and recently got into ultimate fighting.
He wasn't tall or big, but he made up for it in determination, his family said.
"Robbie was probably the strongest guy I ever knew," said his brother, Matthew Carr.
Ever since he was a kid, Robert Carr dreamed of joining the Army. He often would wear camouflage shirts at football practice.
"When he signed up early to join the Army, he said 'Just sign me up for 20 years,' " his mother said.
Carr was stationed in Korea and later transferred to Colorado.
He married his girlfriend from back home in April. They were planning a formal wedding when he returned from Iraq.
Carr was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
"I will always wear this dog tag of his picture," his mother said.
"He had always been my hero. Now, he's everybody's hero."
doligosaf@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2970
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