Photo By Staff Sgt. Ryanne Williams | Robyn Vines, close friend and caregiver of U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. (Ret) Richard...... read more read more
A steady drizzle of rain did not deter friends, family, and fellow service members from honoring Lt. Gen. Richard E. Carey, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in both the Korean war and Vietnam war. During his service, he participated in the Battle of Inchon, the Chosin Reservoir, and 204 combat sorties, earning a Purple Heart, Silver Star, and a Distinguished Flying Cross during his service.
Huddled underneath a small awning, the large crowd gathered close to lay Carey to rest and witness the folding of the American flag, Taps playing in the distance, and Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 41 executing a three-volley salute and a cannon salute to honor the late lieutenant general. The folded flag was presented to Carey’s daughter, Tamara Solum, by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Leonard Anderson, the Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South commanding general.
One of this sons, Paul Carey, spoke of his father embodying his identity as a Marine, saying “he lived and breathed it – he was a Marine 24/7.”
A close friend and author of Carey’s life story, The Flying Grunt, Alan Mesches was also in attendance. He reflected on Carey’s character and his impact both in service and after retirement.
“In Seoul, he had his platoon take shelter in the home of the South Korean president. In Vietnam, he arranged for air drops of ice cream to Marines in the jungle. His final act to care for his troops came with the dedication of monuments at Quantico and the DFW National Cemetery, honoring those who served and died at the Chosin Reservoir.”
A Marine’s Marine; Carey cared deeply for his fellow service members and always looked out for their well-being. He earned his Silver Star during the Battle of Inchon because he refused to evacuate before his Marines, despite being wounded by enemy shell fragments. He stayed to lead his men and did not leave until everyone else was safe.
Lt. Gen. Carey served a total of 38 years on active duty, retiring as the commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Corps Development and Education Command in Quantico, Va. in 1983.
Post-retirement, Carey was involved in many veteran and military programs. He dedicated efforts toward the Fisher House Foundation, Toys for Tots, and the Marine Corps annual marathon. He is also one of the driving forces of the creation of the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, where he is laid to rest.
U.S. Marine Corps Colonel (ret.) Mike McCollum, who had known Carey for more than forty years, spoke at the church service prior to the funeral honors.
“Lt. Gen. Carey’s life was one of service to his country, his Corps, and most of all, his family,” he said. “He will be remembered not only for his bravery and leadership but also for his warmth, kindness, and the lasting impact he had on all who knew him.”
Throughout the funeral, many of his friends and family praised the late Lt. Gen., saying he set an enduring example for the future of the Corps. They spoke candidly about his enduring legacy and activism, and how he truly embodied the spirit of “Semper Fidelis” until the very end.
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2025 11:02 |
| Story ID: | 498593 |
| Location: | DALLAS, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | COLUMBUS, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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