Muskogee Soldier Wounded In Iraq

A Muskogee family knows what it's like to fear for a soldier son's life. <br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims says Mike Carter's son Nick has been in the war zone before. But the danger

Wednesday, December 27th 2006, 9:11 pm

By: News On 6

A Muskogee family knows what it's like to fear for a soldier son's life.

News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims says Mike Carter's son Nick has been in the war zone before. But the danger went from abstract to very real with just one e-mail.

Mike Carter: "That things had changed that's all he could tell us and if he didn't call us within the next morning or the next evening than it would be after Christmas.â€ Two and a half weeks went by, no word. â€œThat kind of alarmed us because we knew something had escalated and that meant that he would not be at his base where he would have access to a phone or email. So that scared us."

And then one night last week, they received a chilling phone call. â€œAnd she came running into the other room crying already and said pick up the phone pick up the phone itâ€™s the Army." Mike fought back panic and took the phone. â€œThe first thing he made clear was he's okay, he's okay.â€

Sergeant Nick Carter and his squad were clearing a hot zone south of Baghdad. They come upon a pile of trash, which turned out to be an IED. Two soldiers died, four were injured. Nick had a concussion, bruised lungs, and took shrapnel in his hand, but he was all right. "Yeah, itâ€™s just the best Christmas present we could ever hope for."

The Carters are experiencing mixed emotions. â€œSurely now that he's got his wounds what are the odds of it happening again." On the other hand, this father says those wounds prove it can and does happen. â€œAnd now we kinda feel like everyday we don't say our prayers for a hedge of protection around these guys could be the day one of 'em doesnâ€™t make it."

After the explosion, Sergeant Nick Carter returned small arms fire and delivered first aid to his wounded squad members. His father says he's doing pretty well and he's ready to return to battle.