Like Carter, Mr. Sickman focused on philanthropy. He said he was inspired by the former president to create Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to families of fallen or disabled U.S. military personnel and first responders.
“President Carter was a good Christian, married to his wonderful wife, and continued his life of service. I don’t know if I’ll ever be as good as him, but I hope I can do the same.”
The charity was created in honor of 8 American soldiers who died while rescuing hostages. In 1980, a mission dubbed “Eagle’s Claw” failed catastrophically after three helicopters failed. This was the last straw for Carter politically – although he won the Democratic nomination, he was defeated in the election by Ronald Reagan that year.
But while the Iran hostage crisis would be a dark stain on Carter’s political legacy, Mr. Sickman said he owed Jimmy Carter his life.
“Morning, noon and night, for 444 days, I have never prayed so hard in my life, hoping that God is on our side,” he said.
“But also President Carter kept us alive. He kept us before the world, making sure that people (also) prayed for us.’
