combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

Thank MJD. Hopefully Charlie and his Grandpa have been able to swap war stories. My Dad never went into much detail with me about his exploits. He died when I was 17 [and a rebellious punk], so those stories that I would love to hear never got told. Mom said his worst nightmares were about accidentally killing horses that were pulling supply carts with the .50 cal guns. Picture that whole scene during the Battle of the Bulge against white snow everywhere.
That whole area was described by a war correspondent as "pink".

Andrew

Chuck

Around here, straight Kentucky bourbon is the fuel of choice. Tonight I'll hoist a tumbler of Maker's to you and in the honor of your son. We are lucky to have men like Charles standing the line for this country.

andrew

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

Thanks Andrew. For most of my life I never heard of Makers Mark, but now it has become well known and loved everywhere. It sounds like a local business that made it big.

Vic, I came into a similar deal when an old timer I became friends with gave me a box full of neat old engines. Some of them really scream, too...! He was a big fan of SuperTigre and Fox.

cfircav8r

My Feedback: (1)

Thank you for the sacrifices you and your family have made in the service of our great nation. I only wish all Americans could understand the true meaning of what he did and how grateful they should be that there are still those willing to put themselves in harms way.

Robert Dean TSgt Iowa Air National Guard

2000-present

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

Thanks Robert and best wishes for your career with the Iowa ANG. Can you imagine what the Air Force will be like in 2020 with the current rate of advances in technology...?

cfircav8r

My Feedback: (1)

Well we are switching to RPV's so I guess I will learn soon enough. Any advance that keeps our boys out of harms way is a good thing.

Steve Westphal

CBP.....My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during this episode. I cannot imagine what you are going thru. Your son is a mans man to fight for us so we can go fly. Playing with airplanes is but a simple act when you consider what your son encountered. People such as your son are true heroes and I pray that all of us are appreciative of the fact that soldiers are in danger so that we can play with our toys. He is a true American CBP. I thank you for his service and pray that the almighty father allows you to remember him as the hero he was. God be with you my friend. I will be praying for you for a long time. Steve Westphal aka: Heartbreakfatty

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

I have mixed emotions about replacing men who WANT to be our warriors in the sky with Radio Controlled machines...but I guess the human pilots can't keep pace with futuristic air warfare capabilities and human losses make the American public more skeptical and less tolerant about any war effort .
Some WWII pilots will be near 100 years old by the year 2020..!..these guys drove Model T and Model A Fords before the war. Some of them will witness what only the old science fiction comic book writers could have imagined.

Steve, thanks for your kind thoughts.

airboss45

Chuck, i am truly sorry for your lost. i go to the local VA hospital about ten times a mouth with current issues. while there i always read a round large seal on the wall that says something like this " A NATION THAT FORGETS IT'S DEFENDERS WILL SOON IN ITSELF BE FORGOTTEN" we on this site will not forget the highest price your SON paid for our freedom! there is no greater love to give and we all thank HIM. we will all make an HONOR FLIGHT this season with our r/c planes to remember the cost HE paid. don

guille2006

Chuck, just reading your lines... I've two kids and the just possibility they get something makes me sick... you made me drop some tear.
I don't know you in person; I feel your pain... I'm sorry for your loss.

MX240

My Feedback: (4)

Chuck, Man, I am so sorry to hear about your lose.
Those of us that have lost a mature son can only know the lose.
People can't imagine the lose of a person in a far-a-way land.

larryak

My Feedback: (32)

He gave his life for our freedom. I love that young American. Condolences. Vietnam chopper pilot. Larry

Javier-RCU

My Feedback: (6)

My dear Minister...

That is very sad news. I hope, God give you and your family solace to continue with your lifes with dignity as a tribute for your son. Last night i was seeing my son David (24) in a football play, -he is a goal keeper in his soccer team- and i was very proud and happy because he is a good boy, very dedicated to his studies and job. But my friend, your son was a true hero, and i do not want even imagine how to manage a situation like this.

Please receive a strong hug from the distance, God bless you.

Javier

straitnickel

CP,
I don't know what to say.
I'm proud of him and all that served, past present and future.
SN

68goat

My Feedback: (40)

Deepest condolences to you and your family. God bless you and keep you.

Hinckley Bill

My Feedback: (569)

Chuck,

May the grace of God surround you and your family during this time of grief.

Know that your son is in His arms and out of harms way now and forevermore.

The sacrifice he made on all of our behalves can never be repaid but must always be remembered.

Bill

mcfast

You have my heart felt sympathy and condolences,

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

It does my heart good to read all of your messages and to know that everyone of you places a high value on protecting our way of life as Americans.
Thankyou.

rc-sport

My Feedback: (12)

combat, I have to say visitng the memorial was a very moving moment. I have had strong opinions about the Middle East wars which I will not share here. I just get so sad when I think about all those lives lost.
My thoughts are with you and your family

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

Thanks again rc-sport. I hear ya about the war itself.
I noticed that George Bush's daughters never bothered to "test their resolve".

vicman

My Feedback: (10)

Robert, Thank you again for taking the time to go there, make the rubbings, and take the pics. It was a pretty big deal for me.

I keep bringing this thing up every year out of a strange personal desire to keep the memory. However I always feel a little awkward not knowing if it just brings up a sad time. CP, I think about you often mostly the cool stuff but also this thing.

Lnewqban

CP,

I remember your son each time I read one of your posts, year around.

Peace to your family and you.

"Let others be terrified by the natural and healthy risks of life! We shall not be frightened!" - Jose Marti

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

Vic, your idea to repost this thread every year is a great thing not just for Charlie's memory but for the guys who share our love of this hobby to be able to share their appreciation for what it means to serve.

Lnewqban...it's always a comfort to know that. Thanks as always.

Phantoman

My Feedback: (1)

Chuck,

When I log into RCU I typically scan RCU Heartbeat for a new tread that might be of interest. For sevral days I have noticed your tread 'A Tribute To My Son, Charles IV. Just by the title I felt it couldn't be any good news and avoided looking. But for whatever reason, I decide to have a look tonight. I started reading the tread and got through several pages before i realize that the tread is 7 years old. What a wonderful way to pay tribute to your son and keep his memory alive. From the various responses I have read there are plenty of people who though not knowing your son are proud of him too. Add my name to that list.

May we never forget the people who pay the ulimate sacrifice for our country.

My best to you and your family.

Phantom

mick1404

my heart felt apologies for your loss Chuck. He served his country with pride and honour so we all can live in a free world.
Leading Aircraftsman,
Royal Australian Air Force.