Charles Eugene Hoskinson

Chuck always wanted to be a soldier, a part of something greater than self and dedicated to service to his country.

Always wanted to go to West Point.

Other than the death of his daughter, leaving West Point after two years was his biggest lifetime disappointment.

Remained determined to return to active duty as a commissioned officer…

Viewed deployment to Vietnam as the ultimate soldier’s role. Greatest fear was the possibility of not measuring up. Fortunately, his tours were quite successful, winning awards for both valor and meritorious service. Most satisfying highlights were command of an assault helicopter company and instructing Cambodian aviators.

Following a somewhat lackluster period during the 1970’s, when the Army was being downsized and subjected to public neglect, including the demoralizing fall of South Vietnam in April 1975, Chuck found a niche as a Foreign Area Officer, serving tours in Ethiopia, Lebanon and Bangladesh.

Lacking the requisite “dirty boots” tour, a series of joint staff assignments seemed to eliminate the possibility of further advancement. However, during the early 80’s, a new wind was blowing – “Be All That You Can Be”. Chuck decided to be the best soldier he could be for as long as possible.

During the remainder of his career, Chuck survived tow “early retirement” boards and continued to receive recognition for his service. He left joint service in 1989 to serve his final tour before mandatory retirement as Commander, Hunter Army Airfield, one of the most satisfying tours of duty in his career. Hunter AAF played an integral part in Operations Just Cause and Desert Storm.

Contributing to that satisfaction was the role that his wife, Liz, performed as Chairman of the Hunter Red Cross. A large part of her contribution was the morale-building canteen that Liz ran for soldiers deploying and returning from Operation Desert Storm. For her efforts, she received the Army’s prestigious Certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Civilian Service from the Commanding General of the 24th Infantry Division as well as the Volunteer of the Year award from the Savannah Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Chuck has always considered his Army Career as the most defining part of his life, and, that while he considered himself to still be serving, that he would be most happy to repeat the active experience. A hallmark of that experience was his time at West Point, and the many lifelong friends that were made there. Moreover, the searing of “Duty, Honor, Country” on his character followed him to the grave.

May it be said “Well done! Be thou at Peace.”

Awards

Legion of Merit

Distinguished Flying Cross

Bronze Star Medal w/olc

Purple Heart

Air Medal w/”V” +22 OLC

Defense Meritorious Service Medal w/ 2 olc

Meritorious Service Medal

Joint Service Commendation Medal w/ 2olc

Army Commendation Medal w/ 4olc

Army Good Conduct Medal

A funeral service will take place on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Stowers Funeral Home, 401 Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Florida National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/