First Sergeant Charles "Chuck" Valdez, Jr., United States Army, Ret.

Chuck Valdez was born February 18, 1958 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and passed away on March 22, 2011 in Temple, Texas.

Chuck proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than 20 years, holding positions ranging from Air Defense Artilleryman to Company First Sergeant. He served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His many military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal.

Chuck is a member of a family that has over 120 years of combined service to the United States Army, with members currently serving in Afghanistan and Korea.

In his retirement, Chuck continued to serve the Army as a civilian contractor in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Chuck was a father, son, brother, friend and soldier with a true zest for life that was unmistakably heard in his laughter, and witnessed in his actions.

On March 25, interment services were held at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter during the service.

Final prayers were said by a Catholic Chaplain and full military honors were rendered by an Army Honor Guard. The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The American flag that draped the olive drab casket was folded into the traditional triangle, and presented to Chuck’s daughter, Derin, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful country as thanks for his years of dedicated service.

First Sergeant Charles “Chuck” Valdez, Jr. was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery, overlooking the Texas hill country, as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, two brothers, five sisters, his dear mother, Lupe, and a host of other family, friends and fellow soldiers.

"One only need hear him express the word we most associate with his attitude, and that word is...

HOOAH!

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