Charles Kester

Charles Kester, born on September 26, 1953, served in the United States Army National Guard for 6 years: April 24, 1972 to April 24, 1978.

Rank/ position: E6 Staff Sergeant.

Stationed/ deployed: Deployed to McAlester, OK for the prison riot and also many severe floods in Siloam Springs, AR.

Charles was drafted into the service during the Vietnam War.

His role or job during his service was mainly truck driving and then staff sergeant.

When asked if he remembered his first day of service or boot camp and what it was like, he said it was a lot of young men not knowing what was about to happen. "I was prepared to go to Vietnam," Charles said.

Charles served during the Vietnam War as it was coming to an end.

His riffle scores were above average and he said he used to be in charge of squads every month as a squad leader.

Words of advice or encouragement for today's service members: "Be more active and use your GI bill."