WHEREAS, Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient, Staff Sergeant Ty Michael Carter, began his distinguished military career by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in October 1998; and
     WHEREAS, In January 2008, Sergeant Ty Michael Carter continued his military service by enlisting in the United States Army as a cavalry scout, receiving his training at Fort Knox, Kentucky; and
     WHEREAS, Beginning in May 2009, Sergeant Carter spent a year stationed in Afghanistan as a soldier in the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division; and
     WHEREAS, On October 3, 2009, while serving in the Kamdesh district of the Nuristan Province, Sergeant Carter was forced to think on his feet while responding to a barrage of enemy fire, making difficult decisions while under attack during the Battle of Kamdesh; and
     WHEREAS, During the attack, more than 300 enemy combatants opened fire, prompting Sergeant Carter to move 100 meters across open ground from his station to a Humvee located at the south battle position, then turn around and run back to retrieve machine gun oil and ammunition and — once more — traverse the distance to gain access to additional supplies; and
     WHEREAS, Despite sustaining wounds and facing incalculable odds against hundreds of enemy fighters, Sergeant Carter returned fire using his excellent marksmanship skills to force out the individuals who continued to attack Sergeant Carter and his squadron; and
     WHEREAS, Sergeant Carter skillfully maneuvered under the camp's perimeter fence to retrieve additional weapons and ammunition to bring back to his station, then traveled an additional 30 meters to help treat the wounds of a fallen soldier and carry him back to the Humvee. During the remainder of the battle, which lasted late into the evening, Sergeant Carter remained calm through the extreme stress of discovering the bodies of fallen soldiers, while searching for a radio in order to signal for help, and finally returning to the Humvee to seek cover; and
     WHEREAS, With the assistance of a fellow soldier, Sergeant Carter carried a wounded soldier a 100-meter distance to a first-aid station and helped to keep his comrade alive until reinforcements arrived to assist in evacuation efforts; and
     WHEREAS, As a result of his bravery, Sergeant Carter was awarded the Medal of Honor on August 26, 2013, and was instated into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes on August 27th; and
     WHEREAS, Sergeant Carter was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in his home state of Washington, in October 2010, becoming assigned to the position of Stryker gunner with the 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. Sergeant Carter received a second deployment to Afghanistan in October 2012, before returning to Joint Base Lewis-McChord where he continues to serve today; and
     WHEREAS, In addition to displays of heroism and gallantry in the United States Army, Sergeant Carter has worked with dedication and a profound sense of hope toward providing further understanding of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and is working toward greater public understanding of the condition in honor of those who fought bravely in the military and face PTSD-related issues every day;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives offer its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Medal of Honor recipient, Staff Sergeant Ty Michael Carter, who bravely risked his life and fought with unwavering gallantry and fortitude, and give him thanks for his continued service and dedication to the United States of America; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to United States Army Staff Sergeant Ty Michael Carter.