Legislative aide Amanda Cofer works at a desk decorated with photos of her boyfriend, Capt. Chris Carter. DAVE WILLIAMS/MORRIS NEWS SERVICE

Soldier captures state's attention

ATLANTA - Chris Carter didn't singlehandedly fight America's war with Iraq. News accounts of the Army Ranger captain from Watkinsville, Ga., just made it seem that way.

The 32-year-old Fort Stewart-based company commander's exploits were captured extensively in print and on TV screens across the country during the three-week conflict.

Capt. Carter's girlfriend, Amanda Cofer, who works at the state Capitol for an Atlanta-area senator, was surprised in one way that he attracted so much focus. In another way, she said, it made sense.

"I don't think it's in his character to be constantly in the limelight," said Ms. Cofer, 24, an aide to Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, R-Sharpsburg. "But the things he's done to get the media's attention are definitely characteristic of Chris."

Late last month, an Associated Press story recounted Capt. Carter's rescue of an elderly Iraqi woman caught in a crossfire.

A few days later, he was on Fox TV unfolding a University of Georgia flag in front of one of Saddam Hussein's presidential palaces in Baghdad.

Have a thought? Go to the Forums or Chat.  Subscribe  E-mail this story  Write a letter to the Editor  Printer-friendly version  Get news on your PDA  Get e-mail headlines

It was enough to capture the Georgia General Assembly's notice. Last week, the House passed a resolution sponsored by Capt. Carter's hometown representative, Republican Bob Smith, citing not only his bravery for rescuing the woman but also his "deep sense of compassion."

Ms. Cofer, of Henry County, met Capt. Carter in Atlanta last fall at a gathering of Georgia Bulldog fans after the Kentucky game.

"I'm a Dogs fan even though I didn't go there," said Ms. Cofer, who graduated from Georgia Southern University.

Ms. Cofer hasn't been able to speak with Capt. Carter since his 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) entered Iraq last month, but she said he was able to get through by e-mail several days ago.

"He was able to send out a quick, 'I'm OK,"' Ms. Cofer said. She is breathing easier now that the violence is winding down.

'I'm relieved that, hopefully, the worst is over," she said.

Reach Dave Williams at (404) 681-1701 or davemns@mindspring.com.

--From the Sunday, April 20, 2003 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle