Longtime Fort Belvoir public affairs director dies

Fort Belvoir and the Richmond Highway area lost a distinguished Army retiree, accomplished public affairs professional, and respected community member with the passing of Don Carr last Monday.

Carr’s career in Army public affairs spanned 42 years, half on active duty and half as a civilian in Fort Belvoir’s Public Affairs Office. As a civilian he served as editor of the Belvoir Eagle, command information chief, and director of public affairs.

After retiring in 2014, Carr was inducted into the Army Public Affairs Hall of Fame and in 2018 he received the Joe Galloway Lifetime Achievement Award from the Army Public Affairs Association.

Carr, 68, died of heart failure, according to an online obituary.

A Belvoir Eagle story published upon his retirement contained some of his perspectives on public affairs and community relations, his strongest memories from his tenure at Fort Belvoir, and many words of appreciation from his colleagues.

Those words of appreciation have continued in the days since his passing.

“Don was a tireless supporter of Fort Belvoir and our many missions here, and he personally nurtured and developed friendships with communities and their leaders, both on and off post,” Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Col. Michael Greenberg said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay recalled working with Carr.

“Don put his community and service to others above everything else,” McKay said in a Facebook post. “I believe we can all learn something from his passionate, caring, and steadfast character.”

Carr leaves behind his wife Noy, three children and seven grandchildren.