Aurora VFW renames post after local National Guard hero

AURORA, Colo. – In celebration of its 75^th anniversary, an Aurora VFW renamed its post after a local National Guard pilot killed in Afghanistan.

Chief Warrant Officer David Carter was piloting a helicopter carrying elite members of Navy Seal Team Six when the chopper was shot down in August of last year.

It was a day-long celebration full of music, food and fun.

But this celebration had a serious side, and a goal of remembering Carter.

Carter was one of 30 Americans killed, including 22 Navy Seals.

Carter was piloting their Chinook helicopter under heavy enemy fire to help some Army Rangers when the helicopter was shot down.

“[I’m] happy that they are still remembering Dave and all the soldiers who lost their lives on that day,” said David’s wife, Laura Carter.

Carter’s wife was there as this Aurora VFW honored her husband by renaming their post after him.

They unveiled a new sign and a new flag.

“The fact that it’s so close to Buckley means something to us as well, and that a lot of his comrades that he worked with and served with will also be able to visit here is special.”

Some of the people Carter with served are there for the unveiling.

“I flew with Dave Carter in Afghanistan and he’s been my friend for almost 24 years,” said Carter’s friend, Ellis Beach.  

It is an emotional day for them as well.

“I wouldn’t have missed it. A great honor,” he said. “It was hard to hold back the tears.”

Carter was a mentor in this Aurora community, a true hero who left behind a wife and two children.

“These guys make a tremendous sacrifice to do what they do and they should never be forgotten.”

Most of the Navy Seals on the downed Chinook helicopter were members of Seal Team Six. The elite unit that took out Osama bin Laden.