Published: February 16, 2007 03:31 pm      

Local soldier killed in action

PICAYUNE — An American soldier with ties to Picayune was killed Wednesday in Balad, Iraq.

The incident occurred while U.S. Army Sgt. Carl Leonard Seigart, 32, was conducting a tank recovery mission in the area, according an Associated Press story.

John Moeller, Seigart’s friend and stepson-in-law, said the time of death in Balad, Iraq was reported to be about 3:45 p.m. or 6:45 a.m. central standard on Wednesday, which was Valentine’s day. Moeller said Seigart died from an Improvised Explosive Device, IED.

Seigart was born in California and lived in Killeen, Texas before he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. For a time, the couple lived in Picayune and even ran paper routes for the Picayune Item, Seigart’s wife Suzanne said. The couple have been married for six years and he took on her family in as his own, she said.

“He was a very dedicated solider who believed in his job,” Suzanne Seigart said. “He truly loved life, and he truly loved me.”

Seigart had been in the Army man for 14 years. He was serving in Iraq with the First Calvary, ECO 215 Third Battalion out of Fort Hood where the unite was trying to recover stranded tanks, wreckers, Humvees and bulldozers. He also worked as a tank mechanic.

While Seigart was serving his time near Baghdad, Suzanne Seigart has been staying with her daughter Jessica Moeller, John Moeller’s wife. Carl Seigart was deployed in October, 2006 and was scheduled for a one-year tour, Suzanne Seigart said.

Suzanne and Carl Seigart were introduced by a mutual friend, and Carl Seigart used to repair Suzanne’s vehicles.

To help after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, Carl Seigart packed a bunch of supplies and headed to the Picayune area from Fort Hood with Suzanne so she could be with her family.

“He was someone you could call on,” John Moeller said.

“Everyone around here loves him,” Jessica Moeller said. “We all think he’s a hero. We all know where he is and we’re thankful he’s with Jesus.”

The Associated Press report states that Carl Seigart’s remains will not be returned to the U.S. for about a week. When they arrive in the United States, the family plans to hold services in Picayune.

Suzanne Seigart said Carl Seigart’s mother lives in California.