Charlie Johnson

[13 SEP 1932 - C1 - 20589 - 12 JAN 2017]

Charlie Johnson Eulogies

AOG Testimonials

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Charlie Johnson Funeral Service

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Charlie Johnson and Bob Wray
[Wray's Landing SC - JUN 2016]

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Trudy and Charlie Johnson - Rosanne Wray
[Wray's Landing SC - JUN 2016]

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Charlie Johnson Testimonial Dinner
[APR 2016]

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Charlie Johnson presenting '55 Columbarium gift
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Todd Graham and Charlie Johnson
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Anna Axup - McCulla's - Charlie Johnson - Carol Riggs
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Charlie Johnson's - Pirkey - Auer - Horst
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Charlie Johnson - Pirkey - Auer - Horst
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Charlie Johnson's
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Charlie Johnson's - Wheeler's - Nicole Vitale - Auer -
Pirkey's - Horst [60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Rod Vitty and Charlie Johnson
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Rod Vitty and Charlie Johnson
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Rod Vitty and Charlie Johnson
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Charlie Johnson and Tom Horst
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Charlie Johnson and Tom Horst
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Charlie Johnson
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Charlie Johnson and John Feagin
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Charlie Johnson
[60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Strom's - Lynn - Vitty - Auer - Pirkey's - Horst - Wheeler's - Nicole
Vitale - Trudy Johnson [60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Trudy Johnson - Wheeler's - Auer - Pirkey's - Horst -
Nicole Vitale [60th Reunion - May 2015]

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Rod Vitty - Bob and Pat Hurley - Linda Newton - Joe Franklin - Roy and Sandra Lynn - Connie Franklin - Jack and Candy Strom - Pat Strati - Don Hilbert - Pat Vitty - Tom Horst - Bob Strati - Ruth Horst - Charlie Johnson - Suzanne Pirkey - Dave Wheeler - Trudy Johnson - Caye Wheeler - Jane and Bob Pinkston - Fred Pirkey (Not pictured - Pete and Angee Fikaris - daughter - SIL and grandson) [Air Force Game Gathering - Nov 2014]

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Charlie Johnson [Albany Vietnam Veterans
Memorial Rededication - SEP 2014]

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Charlie Johnson
[Baddour Center - MS - NOV 2013]

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Charlie Explains
[Baddour Center - MS - NOV 2013]

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Joe and Charlie Johnson - Betty Schepps
[Baddour Center - MS - NOV 2013]

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Joe Johnson - Dienst's - Patty Page - Vitty's
[Baddour Center - MS - NOV 2013]

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Charlie and Joe Johnson - Dienst's
[Baddour Center - MS - NOV 2013]

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Charlie Johnson and Jack Campbell
[OCT 2013]

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Charlie Johnson - Miffy (Jack's daughter) -
Jack Campbell [OCT 2013]

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Charlie Johnson - Paula and Jack Campbell
[OCT 2013]

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Charlie Johnson
[Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Marion Military Institute Magazine Picture
[Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Marion Tour: Robinson son - Robinson - Andrews' - McNair - Hilbert's - Robinson daughter - Johnson - Anderson [Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Charlie Johnson and Dick Prater
[Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Charlie Johnson - Jack Campbell - Sandra Lynn -
Dick Secord [Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Enslow's - Charlie Johnson - Buddy Roberts
[Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Dianne Enslow and Charlie Johnson
[Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Charlie Johnson
[Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Jim Fleeger - Charlie Johnson - George Page
[Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Cardillo's - Ed Anderson - Charlie Johnson
[Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Dick Wargowsky - Ed Anderson - Charlie Johnson - Don
Andrews [EXCOM: Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Charlie Johnson - Don Andrews Jim Bergen - Bob Strati -
Phil Enslow [EXCOM: Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Charlie Johnson
[Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Lee McKinney and Charliey Johnson
[Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Charlie Johnson
[Birmingham Mini - APR 2013]

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Trudy and Charlie Johnson - Ray Gunderson
[DC Party - DEC 2012]

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Ray Gunderson - Trudy Johnson - Ed and Betsy Anderson
[DC Party - DEC 2012]

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Charlie Johnson - Billy Arthur - Joe Franklin
[DC Party - DEC 2012]

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Ray Gunderson and Trudy Johnson
[DC Party - DEC 2012]

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Elaine West - Bill and Joan McCulla - Ray Gunderson - Trudy
Johnson - Ed and Betsy Anderson [DC Party - DEC 2012]

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Charlie Johnson - LTG Huntoon - Carl Goldstein
[Friend of the Class of 55 - NOV 2012]

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Charlie Johnson and Carl Goldstein
[Friend of the Class of 55 - NOV 2012]

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Charlie Johnson and Carl Goldstein
[Friend of the Class of 55 - NOV 2012]

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Standing: Whittaker - Jeter - Pemberton - Dunaway - Enslow - Michalove - Johnson - Hadly - Sydenham - Seated: Haas - Secord - Prater - Roberts [Drummond Service - OCT 2012]

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Charlie Johnson and Roy Dunaway
[Drummond Service - OCT 2012]

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Jane and Bill Hadly - Charlie Johnson
[Drummond Service - OCT 2012]

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Charlie Johnson
[Memorial Service - SEP 2012]

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Flag pole at Emma Willard School
[Troy NY - AUG 2012]

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Trudy Johnson introducing a Barbershop Quartet
[Troy NY - AUG 2012]

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Charlie Johnson's and Jack Campbell's
[Troy NY - AUG 2012]

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Miffy Campbell Chandler and Charlie Johnson
[Troy NY - AUG 2012]

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Paula Campbell - Charlie Johnson - Miffy Campbell
Chandler [Troy NY - AUG 2012]

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Jim Ryan - Bergen and Drummond - Dan Ludwig - Charlie Johnson - Dick Baker - Jack Campbell [EXCOM - MAR 2012]

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Carl McNair - Charlie Johnson - Pat Strati
[DC Party - DEC 2011]

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Ray Gunderson and Charlie Johnson
[DC Party - DEC 2011]

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Ray Gunderson - Charlie Johnson - Dave Elliott
[DC Party - DEC 2011]

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Dorothy Goldstein - Charlie Johnson - Bud Goldstein
[DC Party - DEC 2011]

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Charlie Johnson and Bill Haas
[Birmingham AL - AUG 2011]

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Trudy and Charlie Johnson - Ted Gay
[DG Mini - May 2011]

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Sam Johnson - Quent Bates - Pat Strati
[DG Mini - May 2011]

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Dick Secord - Ted Gay - Sam Johnson
[DG Mini - May 2011]

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Charlie Johnson - Lynn and Bob Lang
[DG Mini - May 2011]

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Sam and Charlie Johnson
[DG Mini - May 2011]

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John Feagin - Charlie Johnson - Dave Wheeler
[DG Mini - May 2011]

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Rich Cardillo - Sam Johnson - Bob Strati -
Quent Bates [DG Mini - May 2011]

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Rod Vitty and Charlie Johnson
[DG Mini - May 2011]

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Jim Drummond - John McCarthy '85 -
Charlie Johnson [JAN 2011]

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COL Sam Johnson (Charlie's son) and the Supe
[DEC 2010]

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Hilbert's - Wheeler's - Regnier's - Franklin's - Lynn's - Ryan - Newtons - Fikarises - Strati's - Johnson - Vitty's - Young. Plus guests: Hurleys (friends of Hilbert's) - Smith (he is son-in-law in Hilbert family) - Ulrichs (son-in-law in Fikaris family) - and Dave Young's lady friend Anne) [Army - Air Force: NOV 2010]

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Charlie Johnson [Tri-County Council
Vietnam Era Vets fund raiser - 2010]

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[Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Vets fund raiser - 2010]

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Gold Star Mother (lost a son in Vietnam) and Charlie Johnson
[Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Vets fund raiser - 2010]

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Charlie Johnson - Jim Bergen - Don Andrews - Jack Campbell -
Ted Gay - Bob Strati - Jim Ryan [EXCOM - AUG 2010]

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Jim Drummond - Ted Gay - Jim Bergen - Charlie Johnson - Don
Andrews - Jim Ryan - Jack Campbell [EXCOM - AUG 2010]

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COL Sam Johnson (Charlie's son) - Ed Zaborowski - Rod Vitty - Daryl - Derek - Cindy (Sandy's daughter) and Blake Schlin - George Kennebeck - [Sandy Sanderson Funeral @ West Point - JUL 2010]

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Chef Charlie Johnson
[Japan - JUL 2010]

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Charlie Johnson
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson and Feagin's
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Ruth and Tom Horst - Trudy and Charlie Johnson
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson and Carl McNair
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson - Carl McNair - Rod Vitty
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson - Maurer - Marlowe Viney -
Giza's - Bates' [55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Rod Vitty - Todd Graham - Charlie Johnson
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson and Rod Vitty
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson and Carl McNair
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Ed Trobaugh - Trudy and Charlie Johnson
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Trudy and Charlie Johnson
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Trudy and Charlie Johnson
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Trudy and Charlie Johnson - Pam Trobaugh
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson and George Page
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Ed Trobaugh - Carla Hilbert - Pam Trobaugh - Don Hilbert -
Charlie and Trudy Johnson [55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson and Carl McNair
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Dan Ludwig - Rich Cardillo - Charlie Johnson -
Bob Strati [55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson - Rich Cardillo - Bill Haas - Bob Strati -
Jim Bergen - Pat Vitty [55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson - Rich Cardillo - Bill Haas - Bob Strati -
Jim Bergen - Pat Vitty [55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Quent Bates and Charlie Johnson
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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Charlie Johnson and Dave Maurer
[55th Reunion - May 2010]

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LTC Fanning and Charlie Johnson [Opening of the
Military Courtesy Room Ceremony - Albany NY - JAN 2010]

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Jack Jeter and Charlie Johnson
[Feagin Leadership Weekend - OCT 2009]

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Charlie Johnson
[Feagin Leadership Weekend - OCT 2009]

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John Feagin - Bulldog Drummond - Charlie Johnson
[Feagin Leadership Weekend - OCT 2009]

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Rear: Todd Graham - Auer - Charlie Johnson - Hadly - Jeanne Drummond - Whittaker - Griggs - Front: Drummond - Norma Auer - Jane Hadly - Sue Graham - Leanne Whittaker - Trudy (Hall) Johnson - Susan Griggs [F-1 AZ Mini - JUL 2009]

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Don Hilbert - Gay - Jim Ryan - Cardillo - Charlie Johnson - Ludwig -
Roades - McNair (Photo by Welter) [EXCOM - FEB 2009]

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Charlie Johnson (2nd from left) and Tri-County Vietnam Vets Color Guard
['STRIDE' March for Breast Cancer - OCT 2008]

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Troyan - Gallup - Pemberton - Ewing -
C. Johnson [West Point - AUG 2008]

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Gay - Strati - Jim Ryan - Hilbert - McNair - Wargowsky - Charlie
Johnson - Ludwig - Cardillo - Roades [EXCOM - JUL 2008]

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??? and Charlie Johnson
[c2008]

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Charlie Johnson and ?
[Austin Mini - APR 2008]

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Leanne Whittaker - Charlie and Trudy
Johnson [Austin Mini - APR 2008]

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Charlie and Trudy Johnson - Bill and Jane
Hadly [Austin Mini - APR 2008]

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Regnier - Fikaris - Bates - Lynn - Vitty - McNair - Dave Young - Hilbert - C. Johnson - Pemberton ? - Enslow - Wargowsky - Gallup - Hornbarger - Jim Ryan - Ludwig - Cardillo - Feagin - Robinson [DG Mini - May 2007]

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Greta Masson - Auer - C. Johnson - McNair
[DG Mini - May 2007]

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Fred Pirkey - Charlie Johnson - Roy Lynn
[DG Mini - May 2007]

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J. Ryan - McNair - C. Johnson - Hilbert - Gay - Ludwig - Cutchin - Streett -
Strati - Roades (Photographer - Welter) [FEB 2007 EXCOM]

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Ellen Schick - Trudy and Charlie Johnson
[Charlie Bandinis in San Diego - c2006]

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Olvey - Lichtenberg - Stan Johnson -
Heyer - Ginter - Weden [MAY 2006]

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Street - C. Johnson - Roades - J. Ryan - Donna Ludwig - Lo Dienst - McNair - Ellen Schick - Cardillo - West - Dienst - Ludwig - Strati [DG Mini - MAY 2006]

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Greta Masson and Charlie Johnson
[DG Mini - MAY 2006]

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Carl McNair and Charlie Johnson
[DG Mini - MAY 2006]

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Charlie Johnson and Don Hilbert
[DG Mini - MAY 2006]

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Jim Ryan - Roades - Dienst - C. Johnson - Streett - Ludwig -
McNair - Strati - Cardillo - Welter [MAY 2006 EXCOM]

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Street - C. Johnson - Strati - Cardillo
[MAY 2006 EXCOM]

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C. Johnson - Griggs - Hadly - Drummond -
Whittaker [MAR 2006]

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Welter - Cardillo - C. Johnson - Streett - McNair -
Ludwig - Roades [JAN 2006 EXCOM]

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C. Johnson - Cardillo - Ludwig - Roades - Welter -
McNair - Streett [JUL 2005 EXCOM]

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Drummond - ? - Charlie Johnson
[c2005]

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Standing: Ruth and John Sloan - Trudy and Charlie Johnson - Quent Bates - Sitting: JoAnne and Bill Lozier - Jo and Jim Fleeger - Anna Bates [50th Reunion]

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Hagedorn - Charlie Johnson - Regnier - Sechrist - Follett - Dinwiddie - Finley - Andrews - Craven - Pirkey - Jack Campbell - McCloskey [50th Reunion]

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Page - Pirkey - Sloan - Andrews - Sechrist -
C. Johnson - Negaard [50th Reunion]

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Andrews - Trobaugh - Tebodo - C. Johnson -
T. Graham - Gunderson - Jeter - Auer - Doyle -
Drummond - Hadly - Haas [DEC 2004]

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Rear: Andrews - Trobaugh - Tebodo - C. Johnson - T. Graham - Gunderson - Jeter - Front: Auer - Doyle - Drummond - Hadly - Haas [Bulldog's Wedding - 4 DEC 2004]

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Charlie Johnson and Jack Jeter
[DG Mini - MAY 2004]

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Don Smiths - C. Johnson - Todd Graham's - Wordens
[AUG 2002 Flag Presentation to 2005]

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D. Smith - Worden - T. Graham - C. Johnson
[AUG 2002 Flag Presentation to 2005]

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D. Smith - Worden - T. Graham - C. Johnson
[AUG 2002 Flag Presentation to 2005]

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Charlie Johnson and Dorothy Crancer
[John Schick Memorial Service - West Point DEC 2004]

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Todd Graham - Charlie Johnson - Huck Nourse
[John Schick Memorial Service - West Point DEC 2004]

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Jean and Cliff Fralen - Jane and Ed Zaborowski - Charlie Johnson
[John Schick Memorial Service - West Point DEC 2004]

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Steve Schick and Charlie Johnson
[John Schick Memorial Service - West Point DEC 2004]

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McCloskey - C. Johnson - Moses - Welter -
Meisenheimer - Bergen - West - Drummond [2002]

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Quent and Anna Bates - Sietman's - Marlowe Viney and Grandson - George and Patty Page - Charlie Johnson - Frank and Joan Armour [45th Reunion - SEP 2000]

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Charley Johnson's - Wray's - Pat Vitty - ???
[c1998]

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Wray's - Ruthann Walton - Paul Parks - Pat Vitty -
Weissenborn - Charlie Johnson - ??? [c1998]

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? - ? - Jeter - Charlie Johnson - Pirkey
[c1997]

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Rich Miller - Meetze - Charlie Johnson - Stockett - West - Wray - Joe Franklin -
McIlroy - Fontaine - Fiscus - Wayne Smith - McCloskey [c1994]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Vitty - Charlie Johnson - Franklin - Lewis -
Strati - Dienst - Enslow - Horst [c1994]

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? and Charlie Johnson
[c1985]

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Bob Johnson's - Robertson's - Shimunek's - ?
[c1985]

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Ordway's and Charlie Johnson's
[c1985]

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Jim Ryan's and Charlie Johnson's
[c1985]

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[25th Reunion - 1980]

Row 10: Bergen - Cathey - Chapman - Gamble - Todd Graham - Don Smith - ? - Polly - McCloskey - Row 9: Blitch - Secord - Jim Ryan - Wing - ? - Row 8: ? - Matuszak - Wayne Smith - ? - Fleeger - Lynn - Joe Franklin - Charlie Johnson - Gunderson - Row 7: Regnier - ? - Reed - Stone - Herren - Weaver - Matteson - Hayes - ? - Enslow - Cliff Jones - ? - Reid - Feagin - Row 6: Wargowsky - Lichtenberg - Sanderson - Baker - Dienst - McCulla - Schick - Ludwig - Soper - Bean - Shideler - Lenio - Pirkey - Row 5: Goldstein - Fralen - Le Cates - Meisenheimer - Wheeler - Horst - Whittaker ? - Cardillo - Page - Newton - Prater - Lucas - Row 4: ? - Sloan - Traut - Rich Miller - Hoeferkamp - Heye - ? - West - Bill Graham - Row 3: Andrews - Perkins - Gay - Pace - Olvey - Strati - Dugan - Jackson - Whtitaker ? - Ralph Henry - Gallup - Murray - Ewing - Fikaris - Row 2: Hornbarger - Al Edwards - Robinson - ? - Thorsen - Dickson - Vitty - Tom Phillips - Bill Anderson - Giddings - Jacobs - Dryer - Row 1: Bazilwich - Samos - Wray - Trobaugh - Brokenshire - Bossert - Hagedorn - Walton - Poirier - Hasbrouck - LaFrenz - Nourse - Malooley

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Front: Bob LaFrenz - Bill Wilcox - Joe Franklin - John Feagin - Middle: Ken Ginter - Charlie Johnson - Bob Camp - Kelly Lichtenberg - Dave Young - Rear: Paul Bazilwich - ? - Tom Horst - Tom Sims [Tailgate - c1978]

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Bill Hadley - Ray Gunderson - Bob Joseph - Charlie Johnson - Howard Whittaker - Unnamed snake [Ranger School - MAR 1956]

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[Ft. Benning Jump Class - JAN 1956]

Row 1: Coyle (2) - Meekison (7) - C. Johnson (8) - Row 2: Nidever (5) - Cardillo (6) - Bergen (10) - Row 3: Sietman (4) - Landers (8) - Row 4: Tebodo (3) - Grubbs (8) - Row 5: Strati (1) - Hadly (4) - McIlroy (5) - Strom (7) - Kinzer (9) - Joseph (10) - Row 6: Nieves-Rivera (1) - H. Stone (6) - Holbrook (8) - Wells (9) - Row 7: Whittaker (5) - Row 9: Martling (1) - T. McCarthy (2) - Macdonald (3) - Devereaux (4) - Row 10: Meetze (9)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Charlie Johnson - Chuck Domeck - Todd Graham
[Breakfast Formation - 1955]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

C-1 Firsties - 1st Row: Griggs - Page - Sietman - Hayes - Negaard - Bates - Maurer - 2nd Row: Giza - Murphy - Staudaher - 3rd Row: Fleeger - Isbell - Charlie Johnson - 4th Row: Fred Phillips (CO) - Domeck - Sloan - Samos - 5th Row: Viney - Ceglowski Armour - Passafiume - Humphrey - Lozier - McClelland (Absent: Norvell)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

C Johnson - Gransback - Wilcox - Schick -
T Graham - Domeck [1st Regt Staff]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

1953 Goat Team
[Goats 13 - Engineers 7]
2nd Row: ? - Major 'Irregardless' Smith - Stern - ? - Herren - Coleman - Dilts x55 - Wilkinson - Patton - Doyle - McGrevey - Ewing - ? - Strati - ? - C. Martin - ? - Steinman - Lowry - John Miller - West - Gunderson - Quinn - Whittaker - Napier - Pace - Nidever - 1st Row: Hall - Greer - Trobaugh - Woodruff x55 - Auger - Gransback - Nichols - W. Smith - George Smith x55 - C. Johnson

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

2015 AOG Online Register
(Updated JUL 2019)
Charles R. Johnson Cullum No: 20589 Class of: 1955 Born: MS Appointment: Branch: Inf Date of Death: January 12, 2017 (View Memorial Article) History: 20589 Charles Rodney Johnson B-MS: Inf: TIS 62: 82AbnDiv 62-63: RVN 63-64: 3SFG 64-66: CGSC 67: OPE USMA 67-70: MA ColumbiaU 70: BnCO 9Div & 25Div 70-71: REDCOM 71-73: AWC 74 (MPA Pennsylvania State University): ODCSP DA 74-75: Chief MajorsDiv MILPERCEN 76-78: ODIA USMA 78-81: Ret 81 COL: D - Charlottesville, VA 12Jan17 a-84: Ob-2017 TAPS Genealogical Succession: COL Samuel H. Johnson USA, Retired Relationship: Child Cullum No.: 39425 Class Of: 1982

Register Glossary

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Charles R. Johnson
Charles Rodney Johnson was born on 13 September 1932 in Bruge, Mississippi and appointed to West Point from the 4th Congressional District of Mississippi. He entered on 5 July 1950. He was declared deficient in Social Sciences and joined the Class of 1955 on 31 August 1953. He was in Company C, on the Cross Country squad his 2nd and 3rd Class years and on the boxing squad his 1st and 2nd Class years. He graduated on 7 June 1955 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army in the Infantry.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Date sent: Mon, 21 APR 2008 20:59:25,0500
To: Business Net 'usma55bus@west-point.org"
From: -w 'wwelter@cox.net"
Subject: usma1955-c1: Quarterly Report, USMA Class of 1955

At 04:59 PM 4/21/2008, Carl H McNair 'cmcnair2@csc.com' wrote:

KUDOS: Seems there is seldom a day that goes by that someone in our class expands their 'CLAIM TO FAME', and the EXCOM is advised that broad recognition should be given , NOW!!!! SO,-

Tom Sims, For his extraordinary efforts in assembling a world class website of 1955 Photos, absolutely unmatched and unparalleled

Bill Welter, Patience and perseverance, discipline and diligence in keeping our class nets up and running

Dan Ludwig, Quietly working behind the scenes preserving the class history and archives, an excellent two pager for the mini-reunion 'Class of 1955, 53 Years Later', read it and remember nostalgically

Chuck Roades, Faithful and fearless scribe, writing six major reports per annum and keeping the class rosters (living and deceased) current and cogent

Charlie Johnson, Faithful Secretary, official '55 liaison to USMA AOG (his son is the Deputy Commandant of Cadets, would you believe, no more quill for Charlie, and no more B-aches to the Comm?)

Jack Campbell, Chairman and trail boss for the Biggest Mini Reunion yet

Grip Hands,

CARL

Carl H. McNair, Jr.
President, Class of 1955

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Colonel Charlie Johnson

NY Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame
2011 Honoree
Colonel Charlie Johnson was born and raised in a small rural town in Mississippi. He attended the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY and graduated in 1955. Commissioned a 2D Lieutenant of Infantry, Colonel Johnson served 26 � years in the US Army, retiring in 1981.

During his Army career, his assignments were primarily in the troop leading positions, but also included two tours at his Alma Mater. First, he served in the West Point Physical Education Department, and later he returned to serve in the Intercollegiate Athletics Department. Colonel Johnson served three tours of duty in Vietnam as a Vietnamese Ranger Advisor, an Operations Officer in the Special Operations Group and as a Light Infantry Battalion Commander. His military education includes the Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff College, the Army War College, Airborne and Ranger Schools and the Pathfinder Course. He has graduate degrees from Columbia University and Penn State University.

Since arriving in the Capital District in 1999, Colonel Johnson has been active in community service. This includes the Troy Mayor's Ethics Committee, Board of Trustees of Oakwood Cemetery, Habitat for Humanity and the NYS Governor's Commission for State Veteran Cemeteries. He is a member of the Tri County Council Vietnam Era Veterans, American Legion Post 1610, VFW Post 8444, and Stratton VA Medical Center Volunteer DAV Van Driver.

As the Endowment Chairman of the Tri County Council Vietnam Era Veterans, he has obtained an endowment of over $100,000 to fund scholarships for veterans at Hudson Valley, Schenectady, and Adirondack Community Colleges. He also obtained this for students at Russell Sage who are studying nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

Colonel Johnson is the past Grand Marshall of the Albany Veterans Day Parade in 2008 and is this year's Grand Marshall of the Memorial Day in Lansingburgh. Colonel Johnson is married to Trudy Hall, Head of Emma Willard School. He has three children, Sam, US Army Colonel, Joe, a resident at Baddour Memorial Center in Senatobia, MS, and Wendy a fabric designer in Providence, Rhode Island.

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USMA Class of 1955 Housing Area

Kelly Lichtenberg
[JUN 2008]

The USMA Coaches Housing Project, sponsored by the Class of 1955, under the guidance of Herb (Kelly) Lichtenberg, is completed and the seventeen houses are occupied by ODIA Corps Squad Head Coaches. The entire Housing Area is prominently identified by the Brass Plaque on the huge boulder at the entrance, which reflects 'USMA Class of 1955'.

Upon the completion of the first eight houses, Kelly 'named' each by placing a small placard with the name of an individual on the lawn in front of the house. It was his plan to continue this practice as the remaining houses were completed. When we lost Kelly, Lou Gross, class of 1954, replaced Kelly and continued the project to its completion. Three additional names were added by Lou Gross, leaving six without the placard.

A few weeks ago, Lou contacted me and asked that I provide six names for the, to date, unnamed houses. I tasked a past president of the class to organize a committee and provide six recommended names. After a very thorough and detailed process, six names were recommended, and the Class EXCOM voted to accept the recommendations. The names were provided to Lou Gross, and they will be included on the placards.

The next, and final, item to be accomplished with this project is to organize and schedule a formal presentation of this Class gift to West Point. Lou Gross and I are in the process of coordinating this with the appropriate authorities. Stay tuned, folks, for this glorious event.

Names on Placards Selected by Kelly

MG Philip Draper, given by his daughter, Linda Draper Newton
Walter Kaye, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army
* Maggie Dixon
* West Point Class of 1955 (To be replaced with a Committee selected name)
* Carl Goldstein
* Marty Silverman, Friend of West Point
* Lewis Zickel, West Point Class of 1949
* Rod Vitty, West Point Class of 1955
* Carl McNair, West Point Class Of 1955

Names added by Lou Gross

* Pete Fikaris
* Charlie Johnson
* Dave Wheeler

Names selected by Committee

* Tom Bell
* Dave Burroughs
* Tom McCarthy
* Donne Olvey
* Bob Strati
* Fred Woerner

Charlie Johnson
26 September 2014

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Colonel, Retired, Charles R. Johnson

2014 VETERAN of the YEAR
On Saturday 15 November 2014 at 1 pm the 2014 Veteran of the Year Award Ceremony will be held in the New York State Military Museum. The Annual Award is Co-Sponsored by the Friends of the New York State Military Museum and the Capital District of New York Chapter of the Association of the US Army. Guest Speaker will be The Adjutant General of NY, MG Patrick Murphy, a Veteran. The Public is welcome.

The 2014 Awardee is Colonel, Retired, Charles R. Johnson, a 26 year US Army Officer who served in Viet Nam as a Vietnamese Ranger Advisor, Operations Officer in a US Special Operations Group and as a Battalion Commander in the 9th and 25th Infantry Divisions.

COL Charlie Johnson graduated from the US Military Academy, West Point, NY in 1955 and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry. His assignments were primarily in troop leading positions, but also included two tours at his Alma Mater first in the Physical Education Department, and later in the Intercollegiate Athletics Department. His military education includes the Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff College, the Army War College, Airborne and Ranger Schools and the Pathfinder Course. He has graduate degrees from Columbia University and Penn State University. He retired from the US Army in 1981.

Since arriving in the Capital District in 1999, COL Johnson has been active in community service, including Troy Mayor's Ethics Committee, Board of Trustees of Oakwood Cemetery, Habitat for Humanity, and the NYS Governor's Commission for State Veterans Cemeteries. He is a member and past President of the Tri County Council Vietnam Era Veterans, American Legion Post 1610, VFW Post 8444, Veterans of Lansingburgh, the Rensselear County Veterans Organization and Stratton VA Center Volunteer DAV Van Driver. He also serves on an Advisory Board for a Leadership Program at Duke University and is President of his West Point Class.

COL Johnson is married to Trudy Hall, Head of Emma Willard School. He has three children: Sam, US Army Colonel (Ret), West Point Class of 1982; Joe, a resident at Baddour Memorial Center in Senatoria, MS; and Wendy, a fabric designer in Providence, RI.

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Remarks by Trudy Hall
Tri-County Vietnam Era Veteran's Celebration Dinner for Charlie Johnson
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Thank you all-each of you- for coming out on a rainy, cold April evening to honor Charlie, and a warm and special thank you to Tri- County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans for hosting this wonderful gathering.

When I arrived in Troy many moons ago, I was worried: 360 adolescent girls in a boarding school were going to keep me busy-but who and what would keep my Mississippi Colonel Charlie busy? I surely did not need a Colonel giving orders in MY command!

Up to that point in our marriage, Charlie hadn't spent much time with veterans. There were many reasons for this. All of them made sense. Then came a phone call with an invitation that changed his life. The Gold Star Mothers were in need of an escort to West Point. Would Charlie help?

Of course the answer was yes and then, before I knew it, Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans was officially, thoroughly, completely and wonderfully a part of Charlie's life. This was an organization that put substantial emotional and physical energy into the right things; through hard work and with elbow grease they raised money for what veterans really needed; they touched veterans personally and with heart. They not only had a 'can-do' spirit, theirs was a 'must- do' gutsiness. This was an organization that rolled up its sleeves and made things happen. And, since Charlie Johnson is the kind of guy who rolls up his sleeves and 'without excuse, sir' makes things happen, they gladly embraced him, his energy, his sense of duty.

While this dinner is about honoring Charlie and his good works, as someone who knows him intimately, I know it would be wrong if someone didn't speak about our family's gratitude for what his work with veterans, and his work with Tr-County Council, have meant for him throughout our years in the Capital District.

Charlie would do just about anything that Tri-County Council needed-with a smile on his face and his full force, frontal attack mode-including appropriate foul language: flipping hamburgers at China Beach, selling motorcycle tickets at County Fairs, raising funds for the restoration of the Vietnam Memorial in Layfayette Park, (hauling bricks for that monument, too!), football game bus trips to West Point, creating scholarships for the sons and daughters of veterans, supporting Gold Star mothers whenever and wherever they needed him, marching in parades short and long, in the rain and in the heat, with those spit-shined combat boots on. And he did it all willingly and happily for two reasons: he knew it mattered to veterans and their families, and he knew it filled his own heart with pride and a sense of belonging.

Those of you who know Charlie, know that he talks about the importance of leaders sincerely caring about those whom they lead. He tells the story of the army officer who taught him this by explaining that sincerely is an adverb, it tells HOW to care for the troops. It means showing them through both word and deed that you care.

Those of you who know Charlie, also know that he went through a very bad spell early in 2014. And, it is fair to say that if Charlie loved Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans before that adventure, he became even more passionate about his commitment to them after that adventure. In word and deed, the members of Tri-County showed Charlie what it meant to Sincerely Care. Just as they had been for years for other veterans, they were there for Charlie and for me: offering rides, lending a wheelchair, relocating meetings so he could attend, visiting him, making sure he was never out of the loop, sending cards and messages. They let him know that he was one of the brothers, and I am convinced their sincere care and concern is why he had the miraculous recovery that stunned his doctors.

Just before we headed north for this dinner, Charlie and I attended a re-dedication ceremony for the Vietnam Memorial in Charlottesville, Virginia. The guest speaker was a retired Air Force Colonel who travels with the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall that has made its way around the country-and even to the Capital District-of course, hosted by Tri-County Vietnam Era Veterans. Though I have been married to Charlie for 32 years, this Air Force Colonel's speech finally made me understand the unique and distinctive emotional challenges faced by Vietnam veterans given the failure of our country to properly welcome them back upon their return to the country whose freedoms for which they were fighting. The speaker talked about the healing made possible for Vietnam Vets by the wall and his first hand stories of the walls 'magic' - as he called it-were heartbreaking and poignant.

As I listened, I 'got it', I 'felt it:' I knew what Tri-County Council had done for Charlie. He needed you so much more than you needed him. Through his work with and for Tri-County, through his connections to veterans and their families enabled by that work, Charlie was made whole again. You all helped 'heal' him. You let Charlie tell his war stories, and you even permitted him to tell his Marine jokes-because you knew he understood what Marines do and stand for. You let him lead in his distinctive, hands on way, own his Vietnam experience with pride, and, most importantly, be a brother in the healing of other vets, too. You sincerely cared, and you let him sincerely care side by side, right along with you.

A few nights ago, Charlie said to me, 'How am I ever going to tell these guys what they mean to me. There are no words.' And I said, 'Charlie, I think they know what they mean to you. You have made sure they felt your gratitude along the way.' But in my heart I knew Charlie was right-dang, he always is- there are no words to appropriately and thoroughly share our heartfelt appreciation. I can only say our hearts are full and whole, and we hold all of you accountable for that satisfying reality.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Health Update
Our classmate and former Class President finds himself in the Thoracic Cardiovascular ICU at the UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA. He has suffered another aortic disection . He is responding to the heavy duty meds designed to bring his blood pressure under control and he has started dialysis.

Jack Campbell
7 JAN 2017

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Charles R. Johnson
I am saddened to report that Charlie died early this morning, 12 JAN 2017.

Charlie's NOK is his widow, Trudy Johnson.

No details are available yet on his funeral service and burial.

Please contact Jim Bergen if you can serve as LCA.

Charlie's Personal Web Page can be viewed at:

https://www.west-point.org/class/usma1955/PWP/JohnC.htm

Be thou at peace...

West Point 1955

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Charles R. Johnson
Colonel Charles 'Charlie' R. Johnson passed away yesterday, 1/12/17. Charlie made an indelible mark on the Emma community in the 16 years he lived here with his wife, Trudy Hall. His steadfast character, Southern charm, and tenacious spirit made a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He was a strong presence in the greater Capital Region veteran's community as well. As a proud West Point graduate and Vietnam War veteran, Charlie was an active member and former president of the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans, American Legion Post 8444, Veterans of Lansingburgh, and the Rensselaer County Veterans Association. In 2014, he was honored as Veteran of the Year by the Association of the U.S. Army and Friends of the State Military Museum.

Details on services are to come.

Emma Willard School
Head of School
13 JAN 2017

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Charles 'Charlie' Rodney Johnson
Col. US Army (Ret.)
September 13, 1932 - January 12, 2017
'The best of the South,' 'a compassionate man of arms,' 'selfless,' 'disciplined,' 'kind,' 'a great and humorous story-teller,' and 'devoted member of the Long Gray Line' are only some of the expressions used to describe Charlie Johnson. Charlie passed away on January 12, 2017 with family by his side. In addition to Trudy Hall, his wife of 33 years, Charlie is survived by his first wife Carol Norden and their three children: Sam Johnson, who followed him to West Point and the Army, retiring himself as a Colonel and raising two wonderful children, Bradley and Noel, with his wife Carol; Joseph Johnson, a resident at Baddour Memorial Center in Sentatobia, MS in whom Charlie reveled in every goal reached and barrier overcome; and Wendy Johnson, a fabric designer in Rhode Island whose artistic talent Charlie admired and celebrated.

Charlie lived an amazing life, born and raised in Bruce, Mississippi, a small sawmill town of about 1300 souls. He was the son of James Holdman Johnson and Bert (Scrivener) Johnson. With his father taking his own life when Charlie was only four, it was his mother, a home economics teacher, who raised Charlie in a house across from the Baptist Church and instilled in him an abiding desire for social justice and to serve others. In Bruce, Charlie had the space and freedom to start developing his military skills -- playing soldier, building forts and fighting rubber bullet battles with his friends. But not all young men had such freedom; like most of the South at that time, Bruce was also a place where whites-only signs prevailed - something his mother taught him was not right. Charlie said he never liked the taste of the water from the whites only drinking fountains.

In ninth grade, Charlie left for Gulf Coast Military Academy, in Gulfport, Mississippi. At the end of his high school years, he successfully applied for appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, writing an essay that epitomized his mother's teachings, about his hopes to change the world into one in which all were equal. West Point held his heart until the day he died. While there, Charlie was happiest in the boxing ring, although other sports - cross country, wrestling, handball and skiing - and the occasional class occupied his time as well.

Upon graduating from West Point in 1955, Charlie was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry. 1956 found him at Fort Benning for Airborne School and then he was on to Ranger School.

Ironically one of Charlie's early assignments was only 25 miles from his hometown at the University of Mississippi. He was called upon to lead his men as part of the Army deployment to keep the peace as James Meredith became the first African American to attend Ole Miss. As recounted in a Times Union article written on the 50th anniversary of this event, one of Charlie's men, a young private from Mississippi, said he would not go 'fight my folks.' 'We're going down to help our folks, we ain't going down to fight them.' he remembered telling the private, who stopped protesting. It pained Charlie when Robert Kennedy ordered the troops be segregated so no black soldiers would be hurt if rioting broke out. At the risk of his career, he voiced his opinion that this was wrong. The order stayed and Charlie obeyed, though it went against his beliefs in integration, not segregation.

Charlie's military career took him on two tours of duty in Vietnam, as a Vietnamese Ranger Advisor, an Operations Officer in the Special Operations Group and finally as a Light Infantry Battalion Commander in the 9th and 25th Infantry Divisions. He also had two tours at West Point, in the Physical Education Department and later in the Office of Intercollegiate Athletics. His love of West Point became a life-long devotion, and he kept active in the activities of the Class of 1955, serving as Class President from 2010 to 2015. In 2015 he was honored by his classmates with a Distinguished Classmate Award, one of his most treasured awards.

In 1981, after 26 1/2 years in the US Army, Colonel Charlie Johnson retired while serving at Fort Devens as the Deputy Post Commander. Though Charlie wasn't one to talk about it, he had seen a lot in those years and not all of it was pleasant. Those experiences, the sometimes hostile greeting given soldiers returning from Vietnam, and his compassionate and charismatic personality made him a natural for his next 'career'.

His first job after retirement was at Culver Academies, where he met a young woman named Trudy Hall. After their marriage, having completed a long, successful career in the military, Charlie turned his considerable energies to supporting Trudy in her career in education. Following several 'tours of duty' as he referred to her school postings, in 1999, the couple landed in Troy, New York, when Trudy became the Head of Emma Willard School, a preeminent boarding school for girls. Any concern held by members of the Emma community about how a career Army veteran would respond to the many challenges and circumstances to be confronted by a head-of-school in an environment much different than the military, were quickly dispelled.

His dedication to Emma Willard was on display daily as he cheered on EW sports teams, spoke to history classes about his military experiences, and generally served as a grandfather figure for the entire school community. As one former staff member Ian Smith recounted, his eight-year-old son decided he would rather live with kindly Colonel Johnson than his despotic parents. Given a warning the young man was on his way, Charlie greeted him at the door with his usual hospitality and then carefully and cheerfully explained the daily routine: reveille at zero-dark-thirty, followed by two hours of vigorous Army Ranger physical training, breakfast and then a full day of chores. Suddenly the young man's parents didn't seem so despotic.

Several times Charlie invited trustees or staff to accompany him to West Point football games, a treat they remember with great affection. From the hair-raising drive over the mountain roads he knew so well, to the campus tours filled with Charlie's famous stories, to cheering on the home team, these trips showcased Charlie's devotion to and pride in West Point, the military, and the United States. Indeed, one trustee, after realizing the strength of that tie, donated a large flagpole that still stands in front of the Head's residence, in honor of Charlie. Every morning Charlie went out at dawn to salute the flag.

Summing it up, Ken McGivern, Assistant Director of Facilities at EW, said in remembrance, 'Charlie was a true southern gentleman. He had seen some terrible things and confronted some terrible people in his life, yet would always give everyone a fair shake and see the best in them until they proved otherwise. He was a humble, giving man who proved over and over again you can never help too much. Even in some of his toughest days he was out supporting people who needed it more in his eyes. I like to think I am a better man, just for knowing him."

During his time in Troy, Charlie also found time for extensive community service, serving on the Troy Ethics Committee and working with Habitat for Humanity. However, his primary focus and his 'second career' was supporting the men and women who had served our country in the military, by volunteering in numerous community service and advocacy roles in support of veterans. Among his many roles, Charlie served on the North Albany American Legion Post 1610, VFW Post 8444, Veterans of Lansingburgh, the Rensselaer County Veterans Organization, Stratton VA Medical Center Volunteer DAV Van Driver, the board of trustees of Oakwood Cemetery, the NYS Governor's Commission for State Veteran Cemeteries, and was especially honored to serve as a member of the board, then president of the Tri County Council Vietnam Era Veterans-truly, his 'last command post."

He was willing to do anything and everything in support of his beloved fellow soldiers. As his wife noted at one Tri-County celebration dinner in 2016, Charlie was always ready to work, 'with a smile on his face and his full force, frontal attack mode-including appropriate foul language: flipping hamburgers at China Beach, selling motorcycle tickets at County Fairs, raising funds for the restoration of the Vietnam Memorial in Lafayette Park, (hauling bricks for that monument, too!), football game bus trips to West Point, creating scholarships for the sons and daughters of veterans, supporting Gold Star mothers whenever and wherever they needed him, marching in parades short and long, in the rain and in the heat, with those spit-shined combat boots on.'

Joseph Pollicino, president of the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans, recalled, 'He brought a lot of knowledge to our organization. He was a down to earth person who gave you a different perspective, being an officer and doing two tours of Vietnam.' He helped with everything from a renovation of the Albany Vietnam Veterans Memorial to setting up endowments at four local colleges. 'He took an interest in all veterans' activities no matter what they were,' Pollicino said. 'He is going to be remembered. Everybody he met, he touched. He never missed a meeting. He filled a room when he walked in. He was a colonel, but he didn't push that. He was one of the guys.' Another veteran activist, Gene Loparco, remembered, 'Anything he tackled, he did it with expertise, professionalism, always with a smile and always with respect.' That respect was shown in many ways, including when Charlie served as a van driver for veterans, frequently enlisted men or women. Charlie often did not reveal that he was a colonel so as to make his passenger more comfortable and at ease. His willingness to go the extra mile even led, in 2004, to joining a group of volunteers who posed for a fundraising calendar for the Oakwood Cemetery which showed people seemingly nude in the cemetery. Then age 72, as Mr. November, he posed wearing a Vietnam era backpack, a World War II helmet, a Civil War saber and his own Army boots. His pride and patriotism were always laced with humor.

Both the veterans themselves and their organizations warmly appreciated Charlie's service, awarding him numerous honors. In 2008, he was Grand Marshall of the Albany Veterans Parade; in 2011 Grand Marshall of Memorial Day in Lansingburgh; in 2011 he was inducted into the New York State Veterans' Hall of Fame; in 2014 he was named Veteran of the Year at a ceremony co-sponsored by the Friends of the New York State Military Museum and the Capital District of New York (CDNY) Chapter of the Association of the US Army, a certified commemorative partner of the Vietnam War Commemoration. In speaking at that occasion, Charlie demonstrated his trademark humility mixed with pride in the men and women who serve in the United States military, emotionally noticing so many veterans in the audience whom he deemed worthy of the honor he was receiving. With his also characteristic humor, he noted, 'Robert E. Lee got as far as Gettysburg 150 years ago, so finally you got a guy from Mississippi make it all the way to New York. We've finally landed."

Charlie also had a deep interest in the importance of education for all ages. He served on the advisory board for a leadership program at Duke University. As the Endowment Chairman of the Tri County Council Vietnam Era Veterans, he obtained an endowment of over $100,000 to fund scholarships for veterans at Hudson Valley, Schenectady, and Adirondack Community Colleges. He also secured scholarships for students at Russell Sage College who are studying nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. He helped establish a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Albany High School. He spoke to Emma Willard history classes and to young students at the Parker School in Troy about West Point and military history, always bringing his characteristic storytelling style to transform any issue into a living and compelling narrative.

Charlie truly left his mark on everyone and everything he touched during his long and productive life. One of his favorite quotes was 'there's no greater feeling of self-satisfaction than to serve your country and know you served it well.' And that he did.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the following charities would be welcome:

Special Operations Warrior Foundation, PL Box 89367, Tampa FL 33689;

Gold Star Family Memorial, c/o Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans, PS Box 11100, Albany, NY 12211;

Joe Johnson Scholarship, c/o NWCC Foundation, 4975 Highway 51 S. Senatobia, MS 38668.

A memorial service and celebration will be held at West Point on June 9.

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The Journal - Bruce, MS - 11 JAN 2017

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[Charlie Johnson Celebration]

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Local Classmate Assistant (LCA) Information

Class Remembrance: Charity

Preferred Charity:

Baddour Memorial Center, Inc
P.O. Box 97
Senatobia, MS 38668

Suggested LCA: TBD

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West Point's 18th Annual Ring Melt Ceremony
I write with great pride about a West Point tradition that I am not sure is as well known as it could be. As I was experiencing it, I knew I had to write about it and send my thoughts along. Please share with the members of the Class of 55. I think there are many extraordinary patriots in this class who just might want to be a part of this distinctive yet relatively new opportunity.

While I am sure that (some) of the class know of this new tradition, a quick explanation follows: For the past 18 years West Point has permitted alums of USMA and family members of loved ones who have passed away to donate their West Point Ring for the Ring Melt Ceremony. During the ceremony, the rings are individually placed in a cauldron and honored by story and salute. Emotionally powerful. Then, in real time, the cauldron is taken about 20 steps away to a roaring melt process, which all watch, that produces a brick bar of gold which is ceremoniously presented to the Captain of the Class that will wear rings from this gold bar. In attendance are a cadre of cadet leaders in the Class, who read the names, local grads who put rings in for those family members unable to attend, an staff from the alumni office and from the Commandant's office, and all invited family members. It feels like the best kind of family. Proud, strong, united.

Each of the 18 years, shavings from the block have been added to the next year's melt so that, symbolically, all donated rings over the course of the tradition are re-entered in the long gold line to inspire each new cadet class with stories of 'Duty, Honor, Country.' Now that is smart. And West Point is the only service academy that does it. There are some rings of great historic significance that have now been included in the melt and those stories are shared, too.

So, Charlie knew about this ceremony from his days on EXCOM with the Class of 55. He was clear with me that it was his hope that I would donate his ring. Crystal clear. The day after he died, his son Sam (USMA '82) carefully asked about 'the ring' knowing that it was his father's most prized possession - hard won and hard worn. Very tentatively, thinking he might want the ring, I asked, 'Did your dad every tell you about the Ring Melt?' He responded with relief. 'Thank God he told you, too. He made me promise to put it in the Ring Melt and I wasn't sure what I was going to do if you didn't know!!!' Gentlemen, a lesson to you: please make such important wishes known to your spouses and family!

The day Charlie was inurned at West Point, we left his ring there as well. It felt precisely right. Hard, but right. Then we waited for an invite to the ceremony in February.

Gentlemen, take pride, stand tall. This ceremony is done from beginning to end with class, grace, sensitivity, a story-worthy wonder, alchemy, pride, patriotism and, yes, love. As we experienced it with the other grads, they all kept saying that more classmates should know about this tradition.

In brief it includes a special dinner with the cadets of the class who will wear the rings. During the dinner, they unveil the crest they have designed to appear on the ring. The Commandant, Class of 90, attended the dinner and his son is in the Class, so it had special meaning for him. As family we were carefully seated with an array of local grads, the cadets of the Class, and staff from WP. We began the storytelling that such functions produce. For example, Sam and I were able to personally meet the cadet who would call Charlie's name at the Ring Melt and to tell him about a man who so proudly wore that ring.

The next day, all convene right at the foundry, which has been transformed into an assembly hall for the event. The story of each graduate, written by an alum who has written every one of them for the full 18 years, is framed, on a table, with the graduate's ring placed on it. It is a simple ceremony. Each family member is permitted to place their loved one's ring in the cauldron as they wish: some speak, some do not, some salute, some cover their heart. For each it is an emotional moment. For the audience it is a memorable life experience.

The stories are amazing. One father was donating his grandfather's ring as his own son was in the Class of 2019, and the cadet himself placed the ring in the cauldron. One brother was donating his ring to honor a brother who died as a cadet and would never receive one. Several living alums donated their rings as they had family members in the Class of 2019. The list goes on, a testimony to the power of the legacy of the rings, and, more importantly, loyalty to 'duty, honor, country.'

Thank goodness we had agreed in advance that Sam would place the ring. I just felt Charlie would want that. In the moment, frankly, I would not have been emotionally strong enough to do what Sam knew he needed to do: help the cadets know how much West Point meant to his dad. Charlie must have been beaming in heaven that day as Sam's remarks resonated Charlie's love exponentially, they even were selected for the article on the event. In brief, Sam said that the engraving inside the ring - 'duty, honor, country' were worn away for one simple reason: Charlie had worn them into his heart.' Not a dry eye anywhere to be found. Honestly, the moment for me was almost as emotionally challenging as the funeral ceremony. I knew it would have meant so very much to Charlie. As Sam saluted the cauldron filled with rings which now included his dad's, I swear I could see Charlie in uniform saluting right along with him. I will never forget it.

If you are still with me - thanks. I just needed to write the story. Below this email is the email that we all received from WPAOG. I tested the links and they worked, so fingers crossed they will for you, too. I urge you to read the article - first link. And, if you have time, look at the photos - there are several of Sam in which he is making his remarks and saluting the cauldron. More important, you can see the actual melting process.

Let me just end by saying that 'the long gray line' is as proud and powerful as it is because of the loyalty that classmates have both to each and to West Point. The fact that their stories and memories through their rings can now inspire the classes of cadets in perpetuity? Undeniably a brilliant, real life experience in what leadership truly means.

In your communiques with the Class of 1955, I urge you to alert them of this tradition if you have not already, smart men that you are, done so.

All my best wishes for your good health,

Trudy
trudy1814@gmail.com

~ following is message donors received from The AOG~

From: Cathy Kilner
Sent: Friday, March 2, 2018 12:06 PM

Subject: Thank you for attending the 18th Annual Ring Melt ceremony

Dear Ring Donor Families and Ring Donors,

Thank you for your ring donation and for attending the Class of 2019 Ring Melt and thank you for your outstanding support of the West Point Class Ring Memorial Program. We hope you enjoyed meeting the Class of 2019 representatives that were at the Dinner and Melt. After the ceremony last Monday, we took the cadets to lunch so that we could talk about their experiences in Rhode Island. Without a doubt, the favorite part for each cadet was meeting the families of the ring donors and hearing their stories. It was a moving experience for all to witness as family members and other graduates placed the donated rings into the crucible.

Below are a few links that I wanted to share with you.

Click here to read our article about this year's Ring Melt.

https://www.westpointaog.org/ring-memorial-program-class-of-2019

Click here to see our photos from Sunday night and Monday's ceremony.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wpaog/sets/72157664171993627

Click here to see this year's West Point Ring Melt live stream video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWWGrFJTFKI&sns=fb

Click here to see the 14-minute pictorial history video of all the past ring melt ceremonies (for the Classes of 2002-2018).

https://vimeo.com/257401211

Here is the link to our Facebook page that also has some pictures (you do NOT need to be a member of Facebook in order to view these photos and comments).

https://www.facebook.com/WestPointAOG/?hc_ref=ARSz2iZNctmT0fJGuhJkgExpUPgVG9jZyiyPdaeRVJfPU6j55lCBK3ATK4R4x56WRBI&fref=nf

Also, the Cadet Media Group that filmed Monday's ceremony is still in the midst of putting together a short video. Once it is complete, my office will be sure to share it with you.

I hope to see you in August for the Ring Ceremony when the Class of 2019 will don their new class rings, replete with the gold from your loved ones. The date for the Ring Ceremony is tentatively set for August 24th with the Ring Banquet the following evening. We will email you a 'Save the Date' in May and will mail out a hard copy invitation mid-June.

Once again thank you for your support of the West Point Association of Graduates' Class Ring Memorial Program.

Warmly,

Cathy Kilner
Cathy Kilner '90
Director, Class Services

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Charles Rodney Johnson 1955

Cullum No. 20589-1955 - January 12, 2017
Died in Charlottesville, VA
Cremated. Inurned at West Point Cemetery, NY

Charles Rodney 'Charlie' Johnson was born in Bruce, MS, the son of James Holdman Johnson and Bert (Scrivener) Johnson. He lost his father early in life, and it was his mother who raised Charlie and instilled in him an abiding desire for social justice and to serve others.

As a child growing up in Bruce, Charlie had the space and freedom to develop his military skills by playing soldier and fighting rubber gun battles with his friends. He left at age 13 for the Gulf Coast Military Academy in Gulfport, MS.

After graduating, he successfully applied for appointment to the United States Military Academy and joined the Class of 1954 but was subsequently proud to 'add leadership' to the Class of 1955. Here, he spent most of his cadet life in the gym, where he found the boxing ring more invigorating than calculus. Charlie was happiest when 'the mission' involved athletic competition. As the Howitzer points out, 'He used his free time making friends and enjoying the inducements of civilian life.' It was in these pursuits that Charlie began to form a strong bond with his classmates, commitments that were to last a lifetime.

Charlie was proud to select Infantry as his branch of choice. As a second lieutenant of Infantry in July 1955 he reported to Fort Benning, GA for Airborne School and from there to Ranger School.

One of Charlie's earliest assignments was to the University of Mississippi, where he was called upon to lead his platoon as part of the military deployment to keep the peace as James Meredith became the first African American to matriculate at 'Ole Miss,' just down the road from his hometown.

Charlie's military career took him to two tours of duty in Vietnam, initially as a Vietnamese Ranger advisor, then the operations officer in the Special Operations Group, and finally the commander of a Light Infantry Battalion in both the 9th and 25th Infantry Divisions. Charlie also enjoyed two tours at his alma mater, returning for a teaching assignment in the Office of Physical Education in 1967 and back again in 1978 as the deputy to the Director of Athletics in the Office of Intercollegiate Athletics.

In truth, Charlie had a lifelong love affair with West Point, remaining active in the activities of the Class of 1955, serving on its executive committee as secretary, then serving as its president from 2010 to 2015. He was extraordinarily proud to be honored by his class in 2015 with a Distinguished Classmate Award for his outstanding service to his class.

In 1981, after serving 26 and a half years, Charlie retired while serving as the deputy post commander at Fort Devens, MA. His first job after retirement was at Culver Academy, where he met Trudy Hall. After their marriage, having completed a long and successful Army career, Charlie turned his considerable energies to supporting Trudy in her career in education. Following several tours of 'educational' duty, Charlie and Trudy arrived in Troy, NY, where Trudy became the head of Emma Willard School, a preeminent boarding school for girls.

His dedication to Emma Willard was on display daily as he cheered on its sports teams, spoke to history classes about his military experiences, and generally served as a grandfather figure for the entire school community. However, his primary focus and his second career was supporting the men and women who had served our country in the military by volunteering in community service and advocacy roles in support of veterans.

During his time in Troy, Charlie served on the Troy ethics committee and on the Oakwood cemetery board, and he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. However, his significant energies and great passion were dedicated to supporting veterans. Among his many roles, Charlie served on the boards of the North Albany American Legion Post 1610 and VFW Post 8444, volunteered at Stratton VA Medical Center, served on the New York State Governor's Commission for State Veteran Cemeteries, and was honored to serve as president of the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans, truly his last command post.

The veterans and their organizations appreciated Charlie's service by awarding him numerous honors, such as being the grand marshal of both the Albany Veterans Day parade and the Lansingburgh Memorial Day parade. In 2011, he was inducted in the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame; in 2014, he was named Veteran of the Year by the Capital District of New York; in 2016, the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans named an annual regional award for him.

Charlie was deeply committed to education. He served on an advisory board for a leadership program at Duke University, and he raised an endowment of over $100,000 to fund scholarships for veterans at the Hudson Valley, Schenectady, and Adirondack community colleges. He secured scholarships for students at Russell Sage College, Emma Willard School, and Northwest Mississippi Community College. Finally, Charlie helped establish a junior ROTC program at Albany High School.

Charlie truly left his mark on everyone and everything he touched during his long and productive life. One of his favorite quotes was 'there's no greater feeling of self-satisfaction than to serve your country and know you served it well.' And that he did.

Charlie was a man of impressive decency, good will, generosity, and devotion to family, friends and to his duty. Be Thou at Peace - until we meet again.

TAPS Memorial Article

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