Dustin 'Dusty' Carpenter

My vows to Dustin 26.12.2015:

Dustin, my love, from the first moment I saw you, you literally took my breath away and my life changed forever. You are the most beautiful, talented, smart and generous man I’ve ever known and I am the luckiest girl in the world to be the one you chose to spend your life with. Every day you amaze me with your courage, determination and your enormous heart.
You have truly opened up my heart Dustin, and make me the best woman I can be and you have made me the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I promise to spend my lifetime loving you, supporting you, growing with you and making you happy. I promise to stand by your side not only when life is easy but when it seems tough and I promise to choose you every day for the rest of our lives.
You are my last thought before I fall asleep, my first thought when I wake up, and every thought in between. I love you with a love, that is more than love, and I can’t wait begin the rest of our lives together.

Old pal. I’ll never forget you. We grew up together and had some silly young times together. I’ll regret not getting my tattoo from you 🖤 music will always give me a lovely reminder. Rest easy Dusty.

Dusty Slim Dusty Carpenter my brother… Too early… just too damn early. I’ll miss you and cherish our time together. Until Valhalla my brother. Rest easy 💔

Dusty Slim Dusty Carpenter, I don’t even know what to say. You were a warrior , a friend, a brother, a father, a husband and a son. Loved and respected by many. Thank you dusty for memories from military, my first tattoo and our friendship. I hope your family knows how much you meant to the people that knew you best. We will miss you, remember you, and Love you brother, rest easy.

I lost my big brother. I lost my friend. I lost a part of me.

Dusty Slim Dusty Carpenter told me "there are multiple pieces on a chess board and yes it may seem you’re outnumbered but you’re always the queen in the board and you do have more options than you think."

I hope you know how much I appreciated you in my corner when I was at my low. I miss you. The girls miss you. We are blessed to have had you in our lives.

Our love goes to Krista, your daughters, Momma Darlene Blackwell Cox, Amber Michele and your family.

We love you Dusty Slim Dusty Carpenter Im so sorry this feels like a punch in the gut. We had some good times a temple high that's for sure. I'm going to miss our talks. You have always been a great friend and very dear to my heart. Sending so much love and prayers to all your loved ones.

It’s taken so long to process that your actually gone, you always made miracles happen that’s why I was in disbelief for so long, I never had a brother but I always thought of you as my big brother, i miss having a cigar or a nice whiskey or our monthly dumpling sesh, you were my big brother and i will always remember and love you brother

As I reflect on the news of your passing, I'm reminded of the profound impact you had on my life. I still vividly remember our first meeting in college, and I'm grateful for the role I played in helping you take the next step in your educational journey at St. Edward's. Though our paths diverged over the years, we always found ways to support each other when it mattered most. My only regret is not staying in touch more regularly, but I take comfort in knowing that your legacy will live on. You will never be forgotten, and your memory will continue to inspire me to cherish the relationships that truly matter. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Dear uncle dustin

I will forever be missing you but at least I still have some amazing and unforgettable memories of the times we shared. Like the time we made brownies, they didn't quite turn out how we were hoping but at least I can still cherish that time which is even more valuable to me.

Or that time it was Elena's birthday at the seaford beach when you launched me and my brother Cody out of the water and into the air, we had the time of our lives. That is a memory that will be with me my whole life.

Although we didn't share much time together I know every moment we had was a good one.

You will be forever remembered, Love Levi

It has taken me many weeks of contemplation to come to the point of leaving a tribute to you, Dustin. I was worried about what to say, and how to best say something that would pay justice to your memory in this lasting way. It was so much easier to collect facts, recollections and stories from others. It has been much more difficult to try and consense your legacy into a bunch of words.

I think the truth of it is that I don't know how to write a tribute that will adequately express what you meant to those you leave behind.

What I do know is that your nephews are annialited by your loss. You have left your mark on these boys as they have each expressed wanting to make you proud in the future choices they make. That is the greatest gift you could have imparted - inspiring my beloved boys to be their best, in your honour.

For that, I thank you eternally. I hope you will watch over them and smile as they grow and strive to make their mark on this world, as you did and with as much love, spunk and care.

And my beautiful little girl will only know of you in memory, being too young to have fully experienced you as part of our extended family.

We will forever miss you at our family events, your Texan drawl somehow always cutting through the chaos of our get-togethers. I still cannot believe it was Christmas Day when I last saw you, hugged you and told you how well you looked.

Thank you for 10 years as part of our family Dustin and for leaving us, Elena and Isla, the most beautiful gifts. The living reminder of your legacy. Rest in peace. Til Valhalla.

Love Meleea, Callum, Levi, Cody and Aisling.

We only worked together at David Jones Southland a few times but you touched my heart Dusty, with your work ethic, honest sharing of your feelings about your love for your girls, your respect for your grandmother and your life experiences. We shared a love of singing and you told me that it was more scary for you than diffusing a bomb. That’s how courageous you were. I’ll never forget you saying ‘yes M’aam ‘ in your very Texan way. Love Glenda.

Dust, I am honestly at a loss for words. You are the most wonderful “little big” brother. I am and have always been so proud of you. No matter how “grown” you were, I always remembered you as the brother pushing me in the red wagon. We had a lot of fun together as children and I am so grateful to have been able to watch you live your life on your own terms. I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments- you are the most talented person I have ever known. You have left behind a legacy not just in Texas, but also in Australia. I feel like a piece of me is missing but I know we will see each other again one day. I know you are with us every moment. I love you forever, Dust.- Your Sis, “Am”

Dustin,

You captured our daughter, Krista’s heart with your charisma, talents, humour, thoughtfulness, and romantic gestures—everything she had been waiting for. She was absolutely smitten.

You quickly became part of our family, joining “The Sir” on fishing trips, making memories on holidays to Merimbula and Darwin, and celebrating Christmases and birthdays together. But the greatest gift you gave us was our beautiful princesses, Elena and Isla. We will make sure they grow up knowing how deeply you loved them, and we will share their special talents and milestones with their U.S. family.

With love,
Michelle and Ross ( The Ma'am and The Sir)

Dusty was one of the first people I met once I arrived at Fort Benning, GA for my first duty station in the Army. I arrived in April of 2011, knowing we were deploying to Afghanistan in October of 2011. Shortly after my arrival, I was placed on the same team as Dusty to train and prepare for deployment. Dusty was the seasoned veteran team member on the team, the one who we would look for clarification and guidance. It only took moments of knowing Dusty to realize the type of person he was. He didn’t seem to be capable of being in a bad mood, or not trying to brighten others’ day. Dusty had been at 789th EOD for a while and was known by everyone. It wasn’t long after getting there that I learned about one of Dusty’s not so hidden talents, stencils. He was always taking all the manilla file folders, and cutting out stencils, then spray painting them everywhere, and I mean everywhere. The most memorable one I can remember was one of a guy, at that time, I had no idea who he was. Some guy named “Ty”, and under the flawless portrait were the words “IN TY WE TRUST”. It wasn’t until years later that I met Ty, or Mathews, and understood why Dusty was so close to him, and loved and respected him. Ty was Dusty’s team leader on his previous deployment, and was an influential figure in Dusty’s career. Once we deployed, I learned about another one of Dusty’s talents, one that he seemed to enjoy more than anything, playing the guitar. Dusty would stay up all hours of the night playing that guitar, and it didn’t matter to him if anyone was around or not. He would sit in the recreational tent, playing the guitar all night, almost every night. Anytime we wanted to stay up late and relax, you could just go to where Dusty was, and he would play non-stop. During the day, when we weren’t training or on missions, Dusty lived in the gym. It seemed like he could never get enough, and strange enough, it also seemed like he was allergic to wearing a shirt while working out at times. While I was never as much of a gym rat as him, I always gave him a hard time while working out, and will never forget the reaction you got from him every time he worked out, when you make any remark about how you couldn’t understand how someone could work out so much, and still not have any calves. I think everyone that worked out with Dusty would pick on him for that, he worked so hard and would tell you all the time how hard he worked out his lower legs but just couldn’t ever get any definition to his calf muscles. I remember periodically stopping by the gym, just to show him my calf muscles and walk out. He would always laugh, throw a few vulgar words at me, and then work out twice as hard. It wasn’t until after that deployment that I truly understood his artistic ability, and tattoos. I knew he tattooed others, but never really understood how passionate he was, and talented, until he talked me into letting him tattoo me. I now don’t have a single tattoo on me that wasn’t done by Dusty, or one that Dusty went over to add more life too. We joked for years about him tattooing me more, but I don’t know if my wife would have ever let that happen, I think she may still be mad at me for the last one. After leaving the Army to go on with his next set of adventures that life brought, Dusty and I remained in contact every few months to check on each other and just chat. Dusty was an amazing friend. While I never got to travel to meet Dusty’s wife and two daughters, it was more than obvious what they meant to him. His daughters are his world. Last time I spoke with Dusty, he was being typical Dusty, out trying to mail a drawing he drew for me and my wife, always doing something for others to brighten their life. Dusty is the friend that we all dream of having, someone who is always smiling, intentionally trying to make others happy, placing himself second to everyone around him. He smiled so much that those who knew him don’t even have to close their eyes to see his smile. His infectious laughter and selfless attitude will never be forgotten. I told Dusty more times than I can count, that I will always be here for him, and that remains true even to this day. While Dusty isn’t here for me to tell him to his face, I know he can hear me and understand my true honesty when I say, I will always be here for his wife and daughters. Dusty, I know you are sitting somewhere strumming your guitar, with that silly beanie cap on, smiling, eyes closed, head tilted back, singing at the top of your lungs – we miss you brother. I mean it just as much now as I did from the day we met; I’ve got your six brother. Keep that tattoo gun ready, I want a full sleeve as soon as we meet again.

Till Valhalla Brother

I was Dustin Carpenter’s EOD Team Leader while assigned to the 789th Ordnance Company (EOD). When I first met Dustin, I immediately noticed his upbeat attitude! He was always smiling and also willing to do whatever was asked of him. We deployed to Iraq in 2009 on a one-year deployment rotation. During that deployment Dustin was always a dependable EOD Team Member. His upbeat attitude spread throughout our entire team. He was such a funny guy. He made what would essentially be a horrible mission into a fun filled one while our team still accomplished the mission on the deployment. I also quickly realized how talented he was with art and music. His talents in those two areas were truly amazing to me! He would play his guitar late at night sometimes, and the sound was so soothing that it would actually put me to sleep. He was also a great artist! He would frequently make very detailed stencils of different EOD guys in our platoon and spray paint them all over our compound. It was hilarious to me, because when he painted the stencils, they looked exactly like the individua(s) that he intended them to look like! Dustin was indeed a shining light during a dark time in a combat zone far away. He will be truly missed, not only by me, but by the entire EOD community! He will always be my brother. EOD Team 2-1 was our combat call sign, and Dustin will forever be a part of that team. Take your rest brother! We Remember, I will personally always Remember.

Dustin, we had some great times together! I will cherish our childhood memories forever 😊.

Thirty years of friendship. Thirty years, my brother. Thirty years blessed to have had you in my life. You gave me strength in my darkest moments and encouraged me to keep going. I wish I could have been there for you, in the way that you were there for me. On to your next mission....continue to look after us from the stars above. Love you, big brother. Til Valhalla.

Attended Travis and Temple High with Dustin. He lived in the neighborhood and we rode bikes together many times. He was always positive, encouraging, and outgoing. While we did not keep up after graduation I was happy to hear how he excelled in the military. I’m saddened by the news and for his family. I hope they can find peace in the fact that he touched lives in his hometown.

I’m very saddened to see / hear of the passing of a wonderful gentleman and an amazing artist. I’m forever grateful that Dusty’s art will stay with me forever. Much love to Dusty’s family and friends. - Ryan, VIC, Aus

Stay well G4 brother. Fly high. <3

My brother, how have we not met one last time! We use to inspire and push each other in art and tattooing. Thanks for always being there for me. I should have made the time. Your strive and passion has inspired me, every painting I do now is in memory of u Dusty, my long lost brother. Never forgotten, a true American hero. 🇺🇸 🫡