After graduating from the Naval Academy, Charlie completed Navy Flight Training and reported to Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego. Charlie’s squadron, the Aardvarks, launched the F-4 Phantom Jet. Charlie flew 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam and made over 100 carrier landings. On his 75th mission, just five days before the end of his tour, Charlie was shot down over Hanoi, taken prisoner, tortured, and spent the next 2,103 days in an 8-by-8 foot cell as a Prisoner of War. During his nearly six years of captivity, Charlie distinguished himself as a pro in underground communications. He was a great inspiration to all the other POW’s and served as chaplain for two years. Following his repatriation Charlie continued his Navy flying career in Reserve Squadrons. He retired from the U.S Navy after 28 years of service. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, 2 Purple Hearts, Air Medals, P.O.W. Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, and a combat action Ribbon. His combat unit received a Presidential Unit Citation. Charlie now speaks for audiences in almost every industry with stories that parallel his POW experience with the challenges of everyday life.