Standing Together When Tragedy Strikes (EP:989)
- Dr. Joe Martin
- Sep 9, 2025
- 3 min read
From Wounded Warrior to Platform of Hope: The Carlos Evans Story
Marine Sergeant Carlos Evans thought his life was over when an IED blast in Afghanistan took both his legs and left hand. What he discovered instead was that his greatest wounds would become his most powerful platform.
In this raw and powerful episode of Real Men Connect, Carlos shares his journey from the depths of depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts to becoming a beacon of hope for wounded warriors and struggling men everywhere.
Three Key Highlights:
1. Identity Crisis and Breakthrough Carlos struggled with his identity after losing his limbs, believing he could no longer be the husband and father his family needed. His breakthrough came when he realized his identity wasn't in his physical capabilities but in his relationship with Christ. "My identity wasn't in my legs or having a perfect body," Carlos explains. "My identity is in the Word."
2. The Power of Enduring Love When Carlos told his wife Rosemarie to leave him and continue with her life, she delivered words that changed everything: "I love you for the man you are today, the man you were yesterday, and the man you're going to be tomorrow." Her unwavering support during his darkest hours - including his battle with painkiller addiction - demonstrates how love truly endures all things.
3. From Victim to Victor Mindset The turning point came when Carlos's 4-year-old daughter walked into his hospital room and began helping heal his wounds without shame or fear. This moment taught him to see himself through his daughter's eyes - as strong, independent, and worthy of love. "You don't need to become a victim of your past," Carlos now tells men. "Look at yourself through the mirror of the cross."
Carlos Evans proves that our greatest trials can become our greatest testimonies. His story challenges every man to reconsider what truly defines strength, identity, and purpose.
Carlos Evans is the founder of C.R. Evans Ministries. Carlos was born in Puerto Rico, where he was an avid athlete throughout his high school and college years. At the university level, Carlos studied Theology and was very active in his church. It was during that time that the tragic events of September 11th occurred, and he felt compelled to join the family legacy of service in the United States Marine Corps -- and originally planned to join as a Chaplain.
Carlos served three tours of duty in Iraq and was assigned to Afghanistan for his fourth deployment. In May 2010, he was the squad leader on foot patrol when he stepped on an improvised explosive device.
The blast took both of his legs and his left hand. Medically discharged after his rehab at Walter Reed, Carlos served in the Marine Corps for eight years.
Carlos is now a minister with the Assemblies of God USA, a Wounded Warrior Spokesman, and a motivational speaker.
He and his wife, Rosemarie co-authored a book called Standing Together, an inspirational story of a wounded warrior and an enduring love. They reside in Orlando, Florida, and they have two beautiful daughters.
If you'd like to contact Carlos or get a copy of his book, just go to his website at http://www.crevans.org
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