Chuck is a happy guy. He lives his life by the sayings “life is good” as well as “love one another – just be kind”. He is thankful for every day and everyone in his life. We, at VNA & Blue Water Hospice, are honored to have both experience Chuck as an employee and now as a volunteer! It was also our pleasure to present him with a Quilt of Valor.

Chuck served in the US Army from 1985 to 1988. He was mostly stationed at Fort Leonard, Missouri where he completed basic as well as training in demolition/engineering, and high explosive plastics. Because he graduated top of his class, he became a peer instructor as well as an assistant instructor to the Basic Non-commissioned Officers’ Course (BNOC). “I was fortunate, I never went to war,” he said.

In addition to his interesting military background, his civilian working career was just as diverse! Chuck worked at the Detroit News/Free Press for 35 years; starting as a journeyman then to mid-level management for inserts/packaging overseeing five different plants with 41 weekly or daily papers. After 25 years with the papers, he went back to school for culinary arts, earning a certificate. He had the opportunity to utilize this new education as a chef at St. Minard Arch Abbey in Indiana – a school for priests and monks. “The school was 150 years old, and just a beautiful, beautiful place,” he added.

Eventually, he wanted to move his family back to Michigan, and was asked to come back to the newspapers. He worked several more years before retiring at the young age of 51. “My wife and I were fortunate to put our four children through college as well as have these wonderful experiences,” said Chuck.

As was expected from Chuck, since he can’t sit still, he began a new career – he had a food truck, then he worked at VNA & Blue Water Hospice in the kitchen. Now that he has retired for a second time, he volunteers at VNA & Blue Water Hospice! The staff enjoy his warm smile and his chuckle after cracking a joke.

Thank you, Chuck, for not only serving your country through the military but through your dedication to your community – we appreciate you.

Quilts of Valor is a foundation started by a military mom. The mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Learn more at www.qovf.org