Mr. Roland Lee “R.L.” Carpenter passed away peacefully March 31, 2021, at his home in Chuckatuck, Va.
R.L. was born in Nassawadox, on Sept. 10, 1965, to Geraldine “Geri” Shrieves Carpenter and the late John “Johnny” Kendall Carpenter Jr. R.L. is survived by his beautiful and loving wife, Chrisanna Trollinger Carpenter; loving stepchildren, Reed, Hannah, and Ross McKinney; brother, John Kendall “J.K.” Carpenter III (Wendy); and niece, Ashley Carpenter, of Cheriton; parents-in-law, Bill and Jean Trollinger; brother-in-law, Billy Trollinger (Rachel); and niece, Madison Trollinger.
R.L. was a 1983 graduate of Northampton High School and upon graduation he entered the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., where he attended infantry training and upon successful completion, he was assigned to Airborne School for paratrooper training. During his assignment, he received several letters of recognition for his professional attire and appearance. His first duty assignment was 1st Ranger Training Battalion at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. Upon successful completion, he was transferred to the 24th Infantry Division, where he became an armored personnel carrier APC operator gaining the rank of specialist 4th class and received the driver’s badge. Additionally, he attended Expert Infantryman’s Training, which he successfully completed and was awarded the Expert Infantry Badge EIB by General Norman Schwarzkopf. Additional training was conducted in the Mojave Desert. R.L.’s next assignment was with the 82nd Airborne Division, 4th Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment Airborne Battalion Combat Team ABCT Vincenza, Italy.
During his tenure, he successfully completed parachute jumps from these aircrafts: C-130, C141, Huey, Blackhawk helicopter, and Chinook helicopter with most training being conducted in Germany, Turkey and the Italian Alps. R.L. was able to attend the Italian Alpini Airborne school which was conducted in the Italian Alps, Alpi di Susi, Seiser Alm. Earning him the right to display the Italian Jump Wings.
R.L. served on the Expert Infantryman’s Badge EIB Committee providing guidance and training for those wanting to earn the EIB award. His next assignment was a battalion – one entire battalion transferred back to the states as an entire unit. He immediately conducted field training in Panama, Arkansas, and Florida. Upon his completion of full duty, he was assigned to the 80th Training Battalion located at Fort Story, Va., where he earned the Drill Instructor Certification.
R.L. was hired by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel as an emergency crew worker and then was promoted to the rank of police officer. He attended the Chesapeake Police basic training academy class 29. Throughout his years of service, R.L. was promoted from officer, master police officer, corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant.
During his 33 years of dedicated service, he attended several courses including the Department of Criminal Justice Services “DCJS” General Instructor, Firearms Instructor, DWI Instructor, Rifle Instructor, and Gang Instructor.
R.L. was a member of the Virginia Gang Investigators Association, Troy Ashe Pistol Tournament Committee, National Tactical Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and Virginia Special Olympics.
R.L. was a man of honor, integrity, and respect. He loved his family and friends with a passion like no other. He enjoyed the camaraderie with his law enforcement and military families. He will truly be missed.
