US AIR FORCE CYCLING TEAM - Key Persons
Stu Carter is the "Father" of the Air Force Cycling Team (AFCT) In 1995 after moving to Offutt AFB from Izmir, Turkey, he became a member of the inaugural team called "Team Aim High." The team was started by Air Force recruiters in Bellevue, Nebraska to ride in the world-famous Registers Annual Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). First held in 1973, RAGBRAI is America's oldest and most popular multi-day bike ride ranging anywhere from 400 to 500 miles over 7 days. Its popularity and international appeal attract approximately 20,000 bike riders and participants each year. The team grew from 28 riders in the 1995 to over 100 riders in 1997. After the RAGBRAI in 1997, the USAF recruiters withdrew official management and financial support of the team-potentially killing it.
Stu stepped in, created a Tax Free Organization with the IRS, and garnered official AF sanctioning and sponsorship by the Air Force Secretary, The Honorable Dr. Sheila E. Widnall, and later by the next SECAF, the Honorable F. Whitten Peters. The team was saved and became an entirely self sufficient organization comprised of volunteer Active Duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, family members, and retirees. Both SECAF Widnall and SECAF Peters would eventually become AFCT riders themselves!