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Writer's pictureProgram Director

Charly

Updated: Apr 1

In Honor of:

Chief Master Sergeant Gene Charles

United States Air Force



Gene Charles was one of the first five Air Force airmen that were selected to be trained by members of the Army 10thMountain Division at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, CO. He became the initial nucleus of the future USAF Survival School, started in the late 1940’s to early 1950’s, which today is referred to as SERE Specialist, (survival, evasion, resistance and escape).


Gene Charles was a ranch kid from Montana and when he entered the Air Force he already knew how to track, hunt and trap animals. He was there every step of the way and was instrumental in developing and building what exists today. Every Survival Instructor or SERE Specialist stands on the shoulders of the first five Survival Instructors of which Gene Charles was one. There is no telling how many lives have been saved because of the influence CMSGT Gene Charles had or the other Instructors he managed or trained.

"Return With Honor," the motto of the Survival School, is symbolic of the school's dedication to providing lifesaving training.



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