Centurions honor fallen support Soldier

  • Published
  • By Spc. Philip Cooper
  • 2-377th PFAR
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  More than 200 family members, friends and fellow service members gathered May 24 at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson's Soldier's Chapel to honor the memory of Spc. Michael James Carrier, a native of White Cloud, Mich.

Carrier was assigned to G Company, 725th Brigade Support Battalion "Centurions."
 G Co. Commander, Capt. Kyle Rogers, had served with Carrier as his platoon leader before becoming his company commander.

 "Michael was a hard worker and had a cannot-fail attitude which made it clear that Michael had found his home in Golf company," Rogers said. "Michael was also extremely dedicated to his daughter Madison and was a very proud and devoted father, who talked about her every chance he got. It was a privilege and an honor to serve with such an individual like Michael Carrier.

 Carrier enlisted in the Army in May of 2008 as a motor transport operator.

Spc. Andrew Childley met Carrier on his first day of basic training in 2008 at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. They went through advanced individual training and were stationed together at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

"I can honestly say Mike was a great friend and a great father," Chidley said. "We had a lot in common; both raised country boys and connected like we were brothers from the beginning. When basic was complete, Mike and I were inseparable and our friendship just grew stronger as time passed." 

 "It has been a hard time for myself and the company," Chidley said. "We have come together like a family does."

 Twenty-five-year-old Carrier was found dead in his quarters, May 6. The circumstances of his death are still under investigation.

Carrier was coming up on exactly three years of service on May 28.

He is survived by his daughter Madison, mother Rebecca Carrier, father Daniel Carrier, sister Katie, brother Nathan and wife Melissa Woods.