Stu Carter, a hero to cyclists and so many more

Back in 2021, we called Stu Carter a hero. He’ll always be that to us at El Tour de Tucson and Tour de Zona, the event he had a major impact on.

He loved the event – leading the pack in so many ways when hundreds of cyclists made their way to Sierra Vista for the three-day event. He loved cycling and he loved his veterans. He founded VeloVets of Sierra Vista.

Always there to help. Always there to answer a question. Simply, always there. Sadly, he passed away this week. He was a huge advocate for cycling and militaryveterans, given he was big into both.

“Stu Carter was the heart and soul behind El Tour de Zona in Sierra Vista,” said TJ Juskiewicz, El Tour’s executive director. “He loved riding his bike and advocating for those who served our great country. We will miss Stu’s passion, leadership and friendship. Godspeed our friend!”

According to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame – where he was inducted in 2018 – he led a group of Sierra Vista bicyclists who adopted and maintain a highway mile in memory of a retired Army bicyclist. For three years, Stu, President of Cochise Bicycle Advocates, advocated for new signed bike routes and an improved, expanded multi-use path system, and succeeded! As Vice President and President of Cochise Chapter, Air Force Association, Stu raised $10,000 for Cyber Patriot training benefitting 900 students enrolled in 95 local school teams. As Vice Chairman and Chairman, Greater Sierra Vista United Veterans Council, Stu led thirty veterans support organizations who advocate for veterans and their families, and who support and plan many community activities and events.

He truly loved what he did and who he did it for.

VeloVets Sierra Vista, in a Facebook post on Thursday, said, it “is saddened to share the news of the passing of Founder Stu Carter. Stu was committed to the mission of VeloVets to ‘get local Disabled U.S. Military Veterans off their couches, reconnect with other Vets, and exercise their bodies, stimulate their minds through cycling, and to obtain much needed camaraderie.’ Thanks to his drive, dedication, and passion we can say Mission Accomplished. Thank you, Stu and Ride On.”

While cycling he became friends and acquaintances with so many people, including Congressman Juan Ciscomani.

“Saddened to learn of the passing of Stu Carter — a proud Air Force veteran, devoted cyclist, and tireless advocate for others,” Ciscomani posted on his Facebook page. “Through VeloVets and his work across Sierra Vista, Stu uplifted countless lives.”