Member Spotlight
September/
October 2024

Chuck Black
U.S. Air Force

Chuck Black was born on October 12, 1951 in Oakland, California. He says he joined the Air Force after he was drafted to avoid serving in the Army. Well, the Army beat him at his own game because he wound up serving with the Army Infantry! He spent over half of his Air Force career in Alaska, thanks to the Army. 
He says the coldest he has ever been was in the field with the Army at -79 ambient and -83 wind chill factor.
He even made a parachute jump at -56.
Ah, fond memories! That’ll teach ya, Air Force Boy!

Despite the cold, he proudly served from 1971 to 1991, and his duty stations included Vandenberg AFB, Forbes AFB, Udorn Royal Thai Airbase, Mountain Home AFB, Fort Bragg, Fort Wainwright, Fort Richardson, Shaw AFB.

Right after moving to Shaw AFB Chuck was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield. He was deployed with The US Army Special Forces to provide Close Air Support (CAS) for the Arab forces. In preparation for Desert Storm they trained the Saudi, Egyptian, Syrian and Kuwaiti forces in the use of CAS. Chuck was the Senior NCO in charge of a 35-man unit for the conflict. During Desert Storm Chuck operated in Kuwait to repel the Iraqis.

Chuck met and married his lovely wife, Janice, in Jeffersonville, Indiana. She caught his eye when she was enjoying country line dancing at a small country pub.

After retiring from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant, Chuck started a career as a pilot for United Parcel Service. His second retirement had him and Janice living back in Alaska. However, they had already purchased a home here in Heritage Pines.

For two years they were snowbirds (literally!) from Florida to Alaska and are now full time HP residents.

Chuck is happily serving the Community Board of Directors, Heritage Headliners, Veterans Club and Thespians of HP. He says he is busier now than when he worked! We know, Chuck, but we are so grateful for you and everything you do!