On October 1, 2024, former President Jimmy Carter marked a historic milestone by celebrating his 100th birthday, a feat no other U.S. president has achieved. As he reached this century mark, his longtime Secret Service detail reflected on the extraordinary assignment of protecting him over the years.
A Lifetime of Service and Adventure
Carter's Secret Service detail has been one of the longest and most unique in U.S. history. Agents like Alex Parker, who served as the Special Agent in Charge, traveled with Carter to over 140 countries, including some of the most challenging and dangerous destinations. 'We'd fly from the middle of nowhere Africa all the way back to nearby Americus, Georgia,' Parker recalled, highlighting the extensive and often grueling nature of their assignments.
One notable mission was Carter's 1994 trip to Haiti, commissioned by President Bill Clinton to avert a full-scale U.S. invasion. Parker remembered the urgency of the mission: 'President Carter called me at home and said, 'you need to pack a bag, we're going to Haiti tomorrow morning.'' This mission also involved protecting other high-profile envoys, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Colin Powell and Sen. Sam Nunn.
Peace in the Middle East and Beyond
Carter's role as a peacemaker often led him into war zones and humanitarian crises. Despite warnings from intelligence officials, Carter frequently chose to proceed with his missions. In 2008, he planned an ambitious tour of the Middle East, which included a meeting with leaders of Hamas in Gaza, despite threatening intelligence in the region. Parker noted, 'He handed [the intelligence] to me and said, 'Alex, we're still going''.
Carter's commitment to peace and humanitarian work was recognized globally, including his award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. On the night of the award, Carter requested a unique photo opportunity with his Secret Service agents. 'Let's have a little meeting so we can take a picture,' he said, wanting to include all his agents in the celebration. 'You guys are part of this, too. I want you to share [the prize] with us, so let's take a picture,' he told them.
Protecting Rosalynn Carter and the Carter Family
Agents also reflected on the pleasure of protecting former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who was described as 'a gentle person there was nothing about her that did not make you feel comfortable or welcomed'. The Carters' relationship was often observed by their detail, with agents noting the couple's persistent affection and occasional bickering. 'Agents might catch them holding hands in the backseat,' recalled Nick Steen, who led Carter's detail from 2017 to 2019.
Carter's efficiency and punctuality were legendary among his agents. He was known for power napping in the car during drives, using a special pillow that agents made sure to have ready. 'He had a special pillow for our drives, and you better have had that pillow,' joked Steen. This habit was so consistent that 'he'd be snoring by the time we got' to their destination, just 10 miles away from Plains to Americus.
As the U.S. Secret Service and the nation celebrate Carter's 100th birthday, it is clear that his legacy extends far beyond his presidency. His commitment to public service, peace, and humanitarian work has left an indelible mark on the world.
