Former United States Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter dies at age 68. He opened combat jobs to women.

Image Source: The New York Times

Image Source: The New York Times

Carter’s family said, "Ash Carter passed away Monday evening in Boston after a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 68."

Image Source: The New York Times

Ash Carter was the defense secretary of the United States in the final two years of the Barack Obama administration.

Image Source: The New York Times

He ended a ban on transgender people serving in the U.S military and opened military combat jobs to women.

Image Source: The New York Times

Carter was also a public policy professor who directed the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School.

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Carter dedicated his professional life to the public safety of the U.S. and teaching students about foreign relations.

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Carter's family said, "He was a beloved husband, father, friend and mentor. His sudden loss will be felt by all who knew him.”

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Pentagon acquisition chief Bill LaPlante said, “He was a giant in national security, who mentored many individuals and inspired us to go into public service.”

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Bill LaPlante said, "He worked tirelessly to guarantee the security of the U.S. and his commitments won't ever be neglected."

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Carter also served as a member of the Secretary of State’s International Security Advisory Board, the Defense Science Board and the Defense Policy Board.

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Ashton B Carter was survived by his wife Stephanie Carter and two children, Ava Carter and Will Carter.