SPC Charles Raymond Fuller, III

U.S. Army

Orlando, Florida

Chuck grew up in Northampton, PA, where he liked to listen to the stories his grandfather would tell him about World War II. He loved hearing about Japan and the South Pacific. His grandfather had fought valiantly and was wounded as a Sea Bee, so it was only natural that Chuck would follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and enlist in the U.S. Army. 

Chuck went to Iraq as part of a Civil Affairs Special Operations Unit. Not only did he work to rebuild the country through infrastructure projects, but also to rebuild relations with the Iraqis by seeking to win over their hearts and minds.

In August 2004, he was in the Forward Operating Base when it took a rocket hit. Parts of the building fell, hitting him on the head, leading to a traumatic brain injury. Undeterred, he patched himself up and carried on his mission. Over time, his legs began to go numb, and he began to experience some dizziness. Finally, a year later, he went to the VA. Since then, the headaches and dizziness have progressed to seizures, which require Chuck to have 24 hour supervision. The leg numbness turned out to be from lower back problems. He now uses a walker or cane. He also deals with some hearing loss and PTSD. 

Chuck’s wife, Ines, is his caregiver. The couple has five adult children, four sons and a daughter.  Sadly, Chuck’s youngest son passed away last January.  Another of their sons, as well as his wife and two year old child, have moved in with Chuck to help with his care.  Chuck is thankful for his family’s support and the joy his grandson brings.