"I've had the pleasure of
serving with some great men in my career. It really doesn't
sink home fully until they aren't around anymore. I had the
pleasure, and honour, of working with Chuck Barnsley throughout my
career.
In 3 CDO, Recce, and more
recently upstairs in BHQ, Him as Int WO and I as UEO. I also
spent every day for the last month of Chuck's life with him on the 3
RCR Ironman Team. We spent many hours training and discussing
training strategy, nutrition, hydration, and who had what it takes
to be a part of the team. I can honestly say he was not only
one of the hardest men I have ever met, He was also one of the most
compassionate. I don't think that gristled old paratrooper had
a mean bone in his entire body. It seems like an impossible
duality for a soldier to exemplify, but Chuck pulled it off easily.
All this to say Chuck was an Airborne Legend in life, and now should
be remembered as such in his passing.
I am attaching some pics of him and another legend, Hodgy, in the
hope that you can post them for the enjoyment of all who would
appreciate it. If this is too much to ask, then please refer
anyone interested in the pics to me, and I will be happy to forward
them.
Once again, thanks,"
Tom Verner.
