Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has unveiled the latest addition to the state’s veteran oral history archives, featuring the remarkable service story of Sergeant First Class Joe Carter, a trailblazing African-American soldier who served in the U.S. Army for two decades.
The announcement, made on January 2, 2026, marks a significant addition to the Voices of Veterans program, which has become one of the most comprehensive collections of military oral histories in the country. The program has now archived over 500 unique stories from Texas veterans across multiple generations and conflicts.
From Segregated Schools to Military Service
Born in Saint John’s Colony in Caldwell County, Texas, Carter’s journey began in a segregated educational system. He attended school there until 8th grade, continued to high school in Lockhart, and eventually graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1964 — notably the final class before integration.
Carter’s military career spanned from 1975 to 1995, including two tours in Korea and another in Germany. His service represents a critical period in American military history when the armed forces were working to address racial inequalities that had long plagued the institution.
But wait — is this the same Joseph C. Carter who became the first African-American Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard? The similarities in name and service background have caused some confusion. That Joseph C. Carter served in the United States Army Reserve and National Guard from 1974 through 2012, eventually rising to the historic position of Adjutant General from 2007 to 2012, according to records.
Preserving Texas Military Heritage
The Voices of Veterans program represents Texas’ commitment to preserving the firsthand accounts of those who served. These archives aren’t merely collecting dust — they’re actively available to researchers and the public, offering invaluable primary source material for historians, educators, and family members seeking to understand the military experience.
“These stories represent the lived experiences of Texans who answered the call to service,” Commissioner Buckingham said at the unveiling. “SFC Carter’s story, in particular, bridges a crucial period in both Texas and military history.”
The GLO’s initiative stands apart from other oral history projects through its focus on Texas veterans specifically, creating a unique regional perspective on national service that spans multiple conflicts and eras. Carter’s inclusion adds another dimension to this tapestry of service.
For Carter, who experienced the transition from segregated schools to an integrated military, the archive preserves not just his individual story but a chapter in America’s ongoing struggle with racial equality. His journey from Saint John’s Colony to international military service encapsulates broader themes of change and progress that defined his generation.
With this addition, the Voices of Veterans program continues its mission of ensuring that the sacrifices and experiences of Texas veterans remain accessible for generations to come.
