Page 99 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2018- Online Magazine

VieTnaM war
cold war

Gail Halvorsen was one Charles Starnes has also done
of the pilots who flew much. He just finished his stint
the cargo planes in the as Mayor Pro-Tem of Plainview and District Governor of
Berlin airlift. He could the Rotary Club. He is active with the Salvation Army,
see children standing on Boy Scouts, Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation,
the rubble in an attitude Military Officers Association and First United Methodist
of absolute despair. Church. He is the Youth Exchange Officer for the Rotary
He thought, “I can do District. He and Susie often open their home to exchange
something.” That night, students.
back in West Germany
at the base, he got little Charles made a commitment to the Navy and served 27
pieces of chocolate, years. His ending rank was Captain; his last command,
tied them onto the George C. Marshall ballistic missile submarine, Blue
handkerchiefs, making Crew. Charles laughs, “I was appointed Admiral of the
little parachutes. When Texas Navy by Governor Ann Richards. The Republic
he flew in the next day, of Texas had about fifteen ships for a year or so. The
he started throwing politicians decided ‘We don’t need a Navy.’”
out the little parachutes
of candy. The eyes Texas may not need a Navy, but we need men like
of the children were wide with joy. Other pilots saw Charles Starnes. He serves gladly; he’s generous with
this and started doing it. A simple act of generosity, praise. He loves lavishly. His life is exemplary. And
doing something he didn’t have to do, shifted the whole Charles Starnes prays. Charles is one person who, like
attitude of Berlin. Berliners thought, “We can do this.” his hero, “the Candy Bomber”, continues to make a
Hal, who is greatly revered in Germany, although just an difference.
old Army Captain, will forever be known as the “candy
bomber”. It was amazing to Charles how one person
could make such a big difference.

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