WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-Florence soldier returns home from Iraq
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FLORENCE, AL (WAFF) - Many times we honor soldiers after they have died protecting our country. Monday, one Shoals community honored a soldier who has given more than 20 years to military service.
It has been 2 years since Carl Carden has been home. This time has family arranged for a police escort and a white limousine to bring him home in style. The Florence Fire Department also brought trucks for the homecoming.
His reaction says it all.
"This is a great honor coming back to this ceremony," said Carl Carden, a sergeant in the U.S. Army. "(I) wasn't expecting it, especially the key to the city."
Florence Mayor Bobby Irons presented Carden with a key to the city, and designated May 5th as Carl Carden Day.
Carden grew up in Florence, and joined the army straight out of high school.
"I've served in 7 different deployments," said Carden. "Several tours in the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan."
During has last deployment he was injured in combat and received a purple heart and bronze star for bravery.
"We are proud of him," said Janie Jefferys, Carden's niece. "He has been in this since he was 18. He's went through a lot."
"Like the old saying," said David Bolton, Carden's neighbor, "Freedom comes for a price. We greatly appreciate him."
"This is a really important day for our community," said Florence Mayor Bobby Irons, "To have the opportunity to recognize a real true hero."
Sergeant Carden only has one thing he wants to do now.
"Fishing," said Carden, "I'm going to go fishing."
Something he deserves for making the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country, and giving us the opportunity to be free.
Carden gets to be home for 2 weeks, then will return to Germany where he is stationed. He has 2 more years of service in the Army.
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C'mon, play. You know you want to. The boss will never know.
