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DEL.ICIO.USGeorgia GI died ‘doing what he loved to do’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last year, Carla Hall met her dad for the first time since she was 3 years old after tracking him down on the Internet.
Now, in a few days she will join her newfound family in saying goodbye to him.
Carl Fuller with parents Thomas and Rutha before he left again for Iraq in December.
Hall’s father, Staff Sgt. Carl Fuller of Covington, was among four 48th Brigade Combat Team soldiers killed Sunday in Iraq when their Humvee was hit by a roadside bomb.
“I was so surprised when they informed me he had passed away,” said Hall, who unknowingly followed her father into the Army and is stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. “I just met him.”
Hall, an Army specialist who is a nursing assistant, cradled her 2-month-old daughter, Genesis, as she talked about the last e-mail she got from her father, in which he asked her to tell his granddaughter he said hello and that he loved her.
On Thursday, Hall joined other family members in the Covington home of Fuller’s sister, Berlinda Alexander, to talk about the man with a playful sense of humor, a love of baseball and a passion for the military.
“He loved his family and the military,” said his father, Thomas, a retired truck driver.
Carl Fuller, 44, was born in Troy, Ala., but moved with his family to Jacksonville, where he graduated from Ribault High School in 1979. He joined the Army that August, Alexander said.
It did not come as much of a surprise to some family members when Fuller announced he was enlisting. When Fuller and his four siblings played space games, Fuller always managed to land the role of Capt. Kirk of “Star Trek.”
He also talked about being a police officer and eventually realized his dream, first with MARTA and later with DeKalb County.
He even had the early bearings of a military man, all spit and polish, family members said.
“Everything had to have a crease,” said Alexander, a licensed practical nurse. “Crease the pants. Crease the shirt. He used to iron my clothes.”
This was Fuller’s second tour in Iraq. He and brother Willis served there together in 2003, said Presephoni Fuller, Willis Fuller’s wife. “They were soldiers sworn to protect and serve and that’s what they knew,” she said.
Alexander said her brother worked for a while as an independent trucker but most recently was a warehouse supervisor. She said he told her some time ago that he was thinking of joining the 48th because the unit was taking volunteers.
She said she and other family members talked to or e-mailed Fuller often. But the last time he called she missed it. She was at the hospital with her husband, Kevin, who was recovering from a motocycle accident.
He ended up talking to her daughter, Mya, 16. Alexander said her daughter told her, “Uncle Carl is so crazy.”
Alexander’s children were devoted to their uncle, she said. He would tell them both to “keep their heads up” in sports and school.
Michael remembered how his brother made him smile. He said as soon as he could, he wanted to play his brother’s favorite song in his honor, “Word Up” by Cameo.
The last time Alexander talked to him, Fuller said he was tired, which she found unusual because he never complained. “He said he missed being with my brother Willis, but he had to step up.”
She said the war has been costly for families of those serving in Iraq. But she takes some consolation in knowing her brother had loved serving his country.
“That’s what keeps my family going, because he was doing what he loved to do,” Alexander said.
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Comments
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By Greg Wilson
July 29, 2005 07:42 AM | Link to this
Our prayers are with you at this time,God will see you through these tough times. He served the country and we thank him for doing so. You can be proud of what he has done. I have a son in Iraq at this time and you have our deepest sympathy. God be with you and all your family.
By William A. Grant Sr.
July 29, 2005 01:16 PM | Link to this
Earlier today i asked if anyone could tell me if Sgt. Carl Fuller was the same person that i Took Martial Arts with and was a Police Officer with. Well I just happen to see another article in the paper that said he was an Ex-Police officer. I am so heart broken to learn that this was the same person that my wife and i knew so well. This has me feeling so bad, but i hope that Carl”Kung Fu” Fuller, Know that we love him and will miss him dearly.
By Coach Roach
July 29, 2005 03:47 PM | Link to this
Berlinda, Ruthie, and Thomas each of you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. I didn’t know Carl personally, but I know his family and all of you are the BEST!
I send my condolences. Thank you Carl for loving what you do.
By Joanne Witchett
July 29, 2005 05:48 PM | Link to this
I have just read Carl Fuller’s family comments. I can echo the same. Yes Carl was a special person. His family is so brave and strong. My heart breaks for his mother and father. Please know that we all share in your lost. I pray that God keeps watch over your family and the others who lost their love one on July 24, 2005 in the War for Freedom
By Darry Williams
July 29, 2005 10:43 PM | Link to this
I served three years with Carl at DeKalb’s South Precinct. Always pleasant, a kind smile and a great ball player. I know he will be missed by family and friends. May God take his soul and allow him to rest.
Peace Carl
By Terri Drummond
July 30, 2005 06:59 AM | Link to this
To the family of Sgt. Carl Fuller, I want to express my deepest, heartfelt sympathy. I didnt personally know Carl, but my son, Sgt. Michael Rousseau did. Mike and Carl came to be close friends and depended on each other everyday in the harsh reality that is Iraq. Mike called me Monday night, crying over the lose of four fellow soldiers, and especially his good friend, Carl. Mike was there with your son, in fact they were talking to each other on the radio when the attack occurred. Mike told me that he and Carl went everywhere together. He told me Carl loved being a soldier and was a great soldier, the best of the best. I want you to know that he was loved by his fellow soldiers and will not be forgotten.
By LT's wife
July 30, 2005 12:53 PM | Link to this
To the Fuller family, My husband is with the 48th, 2-121. He knew SSG Fuller and spoke to me about him. He said he was a fine man and magnificent soldier. He said that he and my husband had become friends over the course of time and thought very highly of him. He misses his wit and humor. My deepest sympathies to your family. Please let the Unit’s FRG help you when you are ready. We love you all and are here to help. God bless you. Rely on your Lord and He will give you strength and endurance to face this battle.
By Deborah Glenn
August 1, 2005 12:08 PM | Link to this
My prayers go out to this family, I did not know Carl personally, but my son served with Carl and his brother on there first tour to Iraq, He told me Carl was a fine soldier and loved what he was doing, I pray that God continue to wrap his arms of protection around each of you, and give you much strength as you go thru this storm. I am only the Mother of an US Army Nations Guard Soldier, (Winder Ga.) but the tears I shed are for all our soldiers in Iraq.
By Dena
August 1, 2005 12:22 PM | Link to this
To the Family of SGT Carl Fuller. I didn’t know SGT Fuller. My husband is with the 48th over in Iraq and I just wanted to let you know my heart goes out to you. You should be so proud of him. I believe every American should bow on the day of burial for these 4 soliders and now 4 more.
I will continue to pray for you and all the men of the 48th.
God Bless Dena Underwood
By Suzanne Thomasson
August 1, 2005 08:17 PM | Link to this
Thinking Of You During This Time Of Sorrow
Thoughts from many people are with you right now. Let these thoughts help you get through this tough time.
With Sympathy Suzanne Thomasson Jr. Vice President VFW Auxiliary Post 1843 Glencoe OK 74032
By sherry wilkins
August 4, 2005 01:14 PM | Link to this
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY OF MR.FULLER. WE HAVE 2 SONS SERVING WITH THE 48TH IN IRAQ.MY HUSBAND AND I FEEL AS THOUGH WE ARE ALL ONE BIG FAMILY.YOU WILL ALL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND OUR PRAYERS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
By Mary-Ellen Maier
August 4, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this
May God be with you all at the very sad time. My son, Sgt. Pete Schneider is with the 2/121 in Iraq. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
By Dwight D. Hamilton
August 5, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this
I served with Carl Fuller at the Dekalb County Police Department. He always had a smile and a joke. He was in the 43rd academy and I was in the 42nd. Our academies overlapped causing us to compete against each other often. It was fun. Those were good days. Carl, we love you and will miss you. Psalm 121 my friend. Ham.
By Robert
August 5, 2005 09:50 AM | Link to this
Mr. & Mrs. Fuller, Linda, Pat & Mike- this is Robert from across the street in White Oak Farms. I just found out about Carl and am truly sorry to hear about him. He didn’t come around too much but I do remember him to be a truly upstanding man and all-around good brother. God bless you all as he has Carl in bringing him home.
By LRS BROTHER
August 7, 2005 09:01 AM | Link to this
MY RESPECTS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF SGT FULLER. I SERVED WITH CARL ON THE FIRST TOUR AND I SERVED WITH HIM HERE THE SECOND TIME. I AM A LRS BROTHER OF HIS. I CAN HONESTLY SAY CARL WAS A TRUE SOLDIER IN ALL ASPECTS. HE WAS AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHER SOLDIERS TO STRIVE FOR. I NEVER ONCE SAW HIM COMPLAIN, NO MATTER HOW BAD IT GOT. HE ALWAYS HAD A WAY OF PUTTING A SMILE ON THE FACES OF THOSE AROUND HIM. HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY HIS FELLOW SOLDIERS. I AM SURE THE GREAT PARATROOPER IN THE SKY WAS WAITING FOR YOU, HE PROBABLY EVEN HAS A SQUAD WAITING FOR YOU TO TAKE OVER. CARRY-ON BROTHER.
SGT LOWERY