Posted by Robert Behncke on November 15, 2025:

Charlie was my friend. We crossed paths routinely at West Point, were stationed together at Wainwright Ak for first assignments, and kept in occasional touch in the years that followed. Charlie's approach to surviving West Point was both very different and fascinating to me. Whereas it was a seismic change for both of us, the adjustment seemed to me far greater. Charlie would describe his travails in his peculiar vernacular, a mix of concern and humor that implied seriousness, but not really. He had a self deprecating sense of humor that would make you laugh in the most difficult situations. He saved my career early in Alaska when I was informed I would fly to Anchorage with the Commanding General at Wainwright to give the youngest grad speech. English had not been my strong suit at the Academy, my Dress Blues had been stolen on the move to Fairbanks, and I had less than a week to prepare while working on a major inspection. Charlie recognized my incoherent plan of action (Spaz), took pity and wrote the speech. I delivered Charlie's speech (in Dress blues tailored overnight from a size 8 inches too large at the waist) with an eloquence only reserved for great prose. It brought the house down and I was able to ride that borrowed fame in the many months that followed. I will remember Charlie and retell that story until memory is no more. God Bless and keep Charlie.

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