Veteran Carl Edward Ramsey ‘75 doubles as professional caregiver and military historian

Vietnam War veteran and published author Carl Edward Ramsey ‘75 has a bachelor of science in education with a major in English literature and a minor in Biblical theology from then-named Concordia Teachers College. 

“I knew about Concordia Nebraska from Lutheran High North in St. Louis, Missouri, because many of my classmates went to Concordia while I served as a Marine in the Vietnam War and participated in the Jesus Revolution in Southern California,” he said.  

While he was a student at Concordia Nebraska, he was asked serve as a live-in companion for an 80-year-old former school teacher in the community. 

“It prepared me for one of the things I now do in retirement from my IT job,” he said “I double as a professional caregiver and a military historian. My history work came about as a result of my college history classes and an interest survey I took which stated I would make a better computer programmer than a school teacher. That turned out to be right.” 

My daily walk with Jesus makes my life fulfilling…The Lord used my time at Concordia Nebraska to prepare me for ministry for older people as well as younger

After five years as an educator, he worked for three decades as a computer programmer analyst. Now retired, he serves as historian at the POW MIA Museum at Jefferson Barracks and supports the Marine Corps League and VFW. He produces a monthly history calendar for the POW MIA Museum as well as a monthly newsletter for the Pvt. George Philips Marine Corps League Detachment. 

“At Concordia Teachers College, my faith was further developed by contact with Pastor David Dorpat’s prayer meetings and fellow like-minded students, many who were also veterans,” he said.  

Ramsey said his days are full of a lot of good, challenging work as well as meaningful and interesting activities. Also a published author, he describes his first book - Sir Christian De Galis and the Fish Gravy: Volume I of the Quest of Sir Christian - as Christian comedy adventure. The book was published in 2014.  

“Day-to-day I read the Word, pray, post military history on Facebook, go to work as an in-house caregiver, exercise and do historical research,” he said. “My second book is also in the hands of the same gifted illustrator. Sir Christian de Galis and the Raiders of the Lost Gravy, which is part two of a screwball comedy in which once again the answer to prayer you don’t like becomes the one you need.” 

Ramsey received the Marine Corps League’s Marine of the Year award in July 2020. He received a certificate, medallion, ribbon and the highly prized Mameluke sword. In 2022, he was nominated for the care Home Care Association of America Caregiver of the Year Award for his work with Assistance Home Care in St. Louis, Missouri. 

“My daily walk with Jesus makes my life fulfilling. Although I’m 75 in mint condition, I haven’t gotten married yet, so I’m married to Jesus and do what He has me do,” he said. “The Lord used my time at Concordia Nebraska to prepare me for ministry for older people as well as younger.” 

Concordia Nebraska celebrates the college classes of 1974 and 1975 July 9 through June 11, 2025 during the university’s Golden Reunion celebration event. Concordia’s 50 year class reunions have grown in attendance and excitement as alumni return to reconnect with beloved classmates, friends and the university. The week’s activities include the option of a dorm stay, class-led chapel, fellowship activities and more.