American Legion Treats Decorated Army Veteran to Ocean City Vacation

The Carbone family includes (front row, left to right) Mrs. Janine Marie Carbone, daughter Alania Rose (1 year old), Captain Christopher Carbone and standing watch above is son Gavin ( 11 years old.) Ocean City American Legion Post 524 is thanking another veteran family for its sacrifices and service when it welcomes US Army Captain Christopher Carbone and his family for a week’s vacation beginning Saturday August 23. The Carbone’s are the third military family this year to be honored with a free stay in “America’s Favorite Family Resort” courtesy of the American Legion’s Rest and Relaxation Program. Last year five families took part. “Military family members are very important to our project,” said R & R Committee Chairman Steve Cole, “because the families always share in the sacrifice of deployed service members.” Captain Christopher Carbone, a 16-year Army veteran, who recently completed a deployment to the Horn of Africa, where he commanded the Functional Specialty Detachment of the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion, working with Burundian, Djiboutian and Kenyan Army units preparing to deploy in support of peacekeeping operations in Somalia. Previously he served in Iraq as an Infantry Officer in Baghdad (2004-2005) with the 1st Cavalry Division and in Ramadi (2005) with a unit attached to the 2nd Marine Division. During his tour in Ramadi as a rifle platoon leader, Carbone was critically wounded by an IED that destroyed his vehicle during a firefight.  Following rehabilitation, he attended the Civil Affairs Officers Qualification Course at Ft Bragg NC after which, he again deployed to Baghdad, Iraq as a team leader, where he worked with Iraqi civilian and police forces to stabilize the city. In 2011 Carbone was in embedded in Afghanistan where he worked closely with Afghan government officials and served as an advisor as well as on the security force.  During this deployment, Captain Carbone was again wounded but remained in theater to complete his deployment. Captain Carbone’s awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Combat Action Badge, two Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, the Army’s Meritorious Service Medal, the Parachutist Badge and Turkish Airborne Wings. Since 2006, Carbone has served as a police officer in Wayne, NJ where he earned membership in the NJ Police Honor Legion for helping save the life of a family immediately after Hurricane Sandy.  He is currently on active duty at the Warrior Transition Battalion, Fort Belvoir, Virginia to receive follow up care for his previous injuries. Committee members of the Post 524 R & R Program have gathered together local merchants and private citizens to present the Carbone’s with not only the free use of a donated condominium, but also numerous Ocean City restaurant gift certificates and passes to entertainment. “This vacation means so much to my family,” said Captain Carbone. “My daughter Alania Rose was born just three days before I was deployed. And my wife, Janine Marie put our wedding ceremony on hold until I returned from active duty. She was the real hero this time around,” he concluded. — News release from Doug Otto for American Legion Post 524