One of the original members of the Air Force 99th Fighter Squadron, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen, died Thursdays at the East Alabama Medical Center.
Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford confirms the passing of Col. Herbert E. Carter. Mayor Ford says flags in Tuskegee will be lowered to half-staff starting Friday in Col. Carter's honor. Flags will remain lowered until Carter's burial.
According to the Air Force Institute of Technology, after his Air Force retirement, Col. Carter served at Tuskegee University as Assistant Dean for Student Services and Associate Dean for Admissions and Recruiting. Some of his professional affiliations include member of the Presidential Scholars Review Committee, American Association/Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and a former member of the Board of Trustees, St. Andrews School, St. Andrews, Tennessee.
"On behalf of the city government, and all of the people of Tuskegee I want to express our sympathy to the family of our local hero," Mayor Ford said. "His sister Joyce Carter, was at his side."
"We call upon the citizens of the community, and of the nation, to honor her request to be with them in prayer during this period of bereavement," the mayor added.
Ford wants the nation to pay tribute to "this national hero, who so valiantly fought fascism abroad, and racism at home, and of whom all in Tuskegee are so justly proud."
Col. Carter, who as late as February was still meeting with students including these at Tallassee High School, passed away at the age of 93.
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Col. Herbert E. Carter during a visit with students at Tallassee High School in February.
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