Like many soldiers, Sgt. James H. Carter is no stranger to Iraq.
On his second tour of  the war-torn country, Carter said in a phone interview from Camp Liberty that his experience this time has been an altogether different one from his previous deployment three years ago.
The reasons are varied; this time Carter is a non commissioned officer (NCO) teaching young medics as opposed to being the medic out on the line each day. There’s also the idea that the war he fought in during 2006 is not the same one he’s in today.
“It’s a different war than what it used to be. Now we’re just trying to give the country back to the people,” he explained. “We’re doing everything from every level to help them.” 
That doesn’t mean the job isn’t dangerous. While violence has “gone down tremendously,” it still happens.
 In his current leadership role, the 33-year-old St. Robert native trains others for the role he once served— and risked his life— in.
“I just train the young medics out there on the line,” Carter said. “We’re just trying to put them through realistic training so they can better deal.” 
That training is key to saving lives when scenarios become reality.
Carter himself can attest to the circumstances these medics might find themselves in on any given day. After all, he provided treatment in 2007 to three Navy EOD personnel who were trapped in a burning vehicle after an improvised explosive device detonated. Two of the men died, but Carter’s actions— and those of the soldiers who provided security for him while he gave medical care— saved the life of one.
For his actions, Carter earned a Bronze Star Medal with valor device. He was also recently named the Medic of the Year for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
“You’re able to talk to one another,” Carter said, explaining how he copes with such traumatic events. “We have a variety of recreational activities. We kind of vent like everyone.” 
And though the atmosphere he works in today is vastly different from the one he was in just a few years ago, Carter is still looking forward to coming home.
“We’re over the hump right now,” he said. “We’re looking forward to coming home.” 

About Carter
Name James H. Carter
Age 33
Hometown St. Robert
Life in the military Carter began his career three years ago as a medic. He is currently serving at Camp Liberty, Iraq, in the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.
Awards Carter received the Bronze Star Medal with valor device from Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, the 82nd Airborne Division Commander after risking his life to provide medical treatment to three Navy EOD personnel who became trapped in a burning vehicle after a massive improvised explosive device detonated inside a culvert in Samarra, Iraq, in 2007.