Kentucky native Carl Don Black graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BS degree and a commission in the Air Force ROTC. He immediately entered Undergraduate Pilot Training and remained on flying status for the next 33 years - 17 of those years as a combat-ready pilot. He accumulated 6,000 hours flying jet fighters, trainers, reconnaissance, bomber and cargo aircraft. His flying experience includes qualification in eleven different aircraft and nineteen different models. He was fully qualified in trainers (T-34, T-28, T-3) cargo aircraft (C-45, C-47, C-54, C-119) bombers (B- 25, B-57) and fighters (F-84, F-101, F-4 Phantom). He served active duty service stateside, in Europe and in the Pacific. As Wing Director of Operations of the Kentucky Air National Guard, he was recognized for his squadron's being selected as the best of ninety-one flying squadrons in the United States. He and his squadron were selected to receive the coveted Spaatz Trophy.

Gen. Black's Command experience includes Base; Group; Vice Wing and Wing Commander, as well as serving at the Major Command (MAJCOM) level as Assistant to the Commander, Air Force Logistics Command. As Wing Commander he received the first "Outstanding" rating ever awarded by the 12th Air Force in its entire history. This inspection was directed by Tactical Air Command. At the same time Black was also actively involved in building and development of family housing as well as farming operations. A patriotic citizen, he has served on the boards of the Salvation Army, the Masonic Home, and National Guard Historical Foundation Board. He also served as Chairman of the Korean War Memorial Committee, building and dedicating the memorial in just over ten months. He served as the Chairman of the Jefferson County Veterans Affairs Committee for many years, holding parades and other patriotic events to include memorial, flag and Veterans Day ceremonies. Devoted to youth, he was instrumental in the establishment of four new Military Order of the World Wars chapters in Kentucky, increasing membership by 200 percent statewide. He guided the Youth Leadership Conference to fruition with over 3,000 high school sophomores and juniors attending from Jefferson County and other schools.

He has been recognized for his patriotic endeavors by the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge with the George Washington Honor Medal. He was awarded the Jefferson Freedom Award for patriotic actions in Louisville/Jefferson County. Recently he was inducted in the University of Kentucky AFROTC Hall of Fame, becoming only the eleventh person to be so honored at UK. In 2006, he was selected by the National Sojourners (a Masonic Veteran's group) for their highest honor, the President's Award. Gen. Black is married to the former Mary Sue Shaw. They reside in Anchorage, Kentucky. For more than thirty years, Carl Don Black has shown his dedication and his demand for excellence for himself and for those under his command. He continues to be sought out by patriotic, civic and Jefferson County officials to speak at patriotic events including dedications, and funeral eulogies for Air Force members.

Black's diligence, professionalism and dedication to the dignity of departed veterans honors the past. His extensive work as a role model and mentor for young officers and airmen builds the future.