1st Sgt. Carl R. Piper, Department of Aviation Medicine
1st Sgt. Carl R. Piper, a native of Huntington Beach California, enlisted to active duty as a 68W Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic) on March 17, 2009. He completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston). His first duty assignment was as an Emergency Care Specialist in Charlie Company 1-4 Infantry, Hohenfels, GE; where he deployed as line medic to Zabul Province, Afghanistan. After three years he was selected to become a Flight Medic.
His is a graduate of the Warrior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, and Master Leader Course. His military trainings includes the Common Faculty Development-Developer Course, Ground Safety Officers Course, Master Resilience Training Course, Critical Care Paramedic Course, and CREW Master Gunner.
Upon completion of the Flight Medic Course, 1st. Sgt. Piper has served in the following positions: Medical Observer Trainer Coach, NTC Operations Aviation, National Training Center, California; First Sergeant, C Company, 2-3 General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), Camp Humphrey's, S. Korea; First Sergeant, C Company, 2916th GSAB, Fort Irwin, California; Platoon Sergeant, 2-4 GSAB, Fort Carson, Colorado; Air Ambulance NCO, Afghanistan / Bagram Airfield, C Co 2-4 GSAB, Fort Carson Colorado and recently served as the Senior Instructor and Academic Training, and Education Department NCOIC for the Department of Aviation Medicine Fort Novosel, Alabama.
1st Sgt. Piper's awards and decorations include: German Armed Forces Weapons Badge (Silver); Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral four); the Army Service Ribbon; NCO Professional Development Ribbon x 4; Korean Defense Service Ribbon; Armed Forces Service Medal (one star); Global War and Terrorism Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (two stars); National Defense Service Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal x 4; Army Achievement Medal x 7; Army Commendation Medal x 4; Air Medal x 2, Meritorious Service Medal; Army Driver Badge (wheeled), Combat Medical Badge, Senior Aviation Badge. He was recognized as the 2016 Dustoff Association Flight Medic of the Year and the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) recognized him as a Knight in the Order of St. Michael in 2022.
He is married to his wife Heather of 5 years and they have three children: Heidi, Annabelle, and Daisy.