President Joe Biden memorialized Ash Carter Tuesday, reminiscing fondly about how the former secretary of defense was “born a patriot.”
Biden said that, as vice president, he and former President Barack Obama frequently relied on his “fierce intellect and wise counsel to ensure our military’s readiness, technological edge, and obligation to the women and men of the greatest fighting force in the history of the world.”
FORMER DEFENSE SECRETARY ASH CARTER DIES AT AGE 68
“When I think of Ash Carter, I think of a man of extraordinary integrity. Honest. Principled. Guided by a strong, steady moral compass and a vision of using his life for public purpose,” Biden’s statement read.
“Above all, Ash understood the sacred obligation we have to our servicemembers, veterans, and their families. He was relentless in his pursuit of technology solutions for our warfighters, rapidly accelerating delivery of mine resistant vehicles to our troops to protect them from improvised explosive devices in Iraq and Afghanistan,” the president continued. “His work saved countless lives and limbs. On many weekends Ash and his beloved wife Stephanie would quietly visit wounded warriors at Walter Reed. He did so out of the spotlight, demonstrating the personal integrity and sense of duty that distinguished him throughout his life.”
Carter died at the age of 68 from a “sudden cardiac event,” his family announced Tuesday morning.
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“[Carter] devoted his professional life to the national security of the United States and teaching students about international affairs,” his family said. “He was a beloved husband, father, mentor, and friend. His sudden loss will be felt by all who knew him.”
