Charles R. (Skip) was born at Fort Totten Army base hospital in Queens New York. Skip’s father was a career Army officer and as a result he grew up living in numerous states as well as growing up in Japan for six years. Skip graduated from Baldwin High School, Baldwin Long Island New York in 1966 at the age of 17 and volunteered to join the Army. While attending Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Knox Skip was released from AIT before completion to attend Armor Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Knox, KY and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Armor Branch. While serving in the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron at Fort Knox Skip volunteered for service in the Republic of Vietnam. While in route to Vietnam he attended and graduated from the Jungle Warfare School in Panama and assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment “11th ACR Black Horse” serving as a Platoon Leader with Alpha Troop then as an Aerial Scout Observer with the 1st Squadron 11th ACR S-3 Aviation Section and lastly as Troop Commander of Charlie Troop 1st Squadron 11th ACR. During his service in the Republic of Vietnam Skip was awarded and received the Silver Star for gallantry in action, three Bronze Stars “2 for Valor,” the Purple Heart for wounds during combat action, Two Air Medals “1 for Valor,” and the Army Commendation Medal for Valor. After his service in Vietnam Skip continued his service in the Army serving in the 4th Squadron 7th Cavalry 2nd Infantry Division “2nd ID” Korea, 3rd Squadron 10th Cavalry 1st Cavalry Division Fort Hood Texas, 1st Battalion 72nd Armor 2nd ID Korea, 3rd Armored Division in Germany and lastly as an instructor and Branch Chief the the Army Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth Kansas. Skip retired after 23 of active service and then continued to support the Army as a trainer with MPRI/L-3 Com and General Dynamics. He currently lives in Hazel Green, Alabama.