On May 3rd, 2016, Naval Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Charles Keating IV, age 31, died in Iraq of combat-related injuries. Less than two months before, Charles was awarded the Silver Star Medal.
Charles’ Silver Star was posthumously upgraded to the Navy Cross, the second highest decoration awarded to Navy personnel signifying his extraordinary heroism during combat operations.
“Charlie had a habit of putting his life at risk. The last thing I told him was, ‘Charlie, don’t be a hero,’ and hugged him goodbye,” says Krista Keating-Joseph, Charles’ mom.
Krista considers her Navy SEAL son the bravest man she’ll ever know. With her tremendous loss, comes a dedication of ensuring Charlie is remembered for his big heart both on and off the battlefield.
“Charlie had a big heart and big personality. He did track, cross country, and was even on a Discovery Kids Outward bound TV. He created a ‘bottle cap football club,’ and was a big fan of ultimate frisbee and paintball. If he saw a struggling kid, we would find him at dinner that night. He was funny and had a contagious smile,” says Krista.
Krista scripted a tribute to her son… a children’s book: Big-Hearted Charlie Runs the Mile, as the lifelong runner shared her love of exercise with her children, especially her first born, Charlie.
“Charlie wasn’t the best runner at the beginning but had incredible talent. He was also motivated to win. I ran my whole life and won the HS state mile as a junior at Chaparral, so I always encouraged my kids to embrace an active lifestyle. After Charlie’s death, I wanted to memorialize is legacy. So, with my mom being the illustrator, we curated a beautiful children’s book.”
Big-Hearted Charlie Runs the Mile is about Charlie’s experience when he joined his Arcadia High School track team. Smaller than most of the boys he competed against, it was Charlie’s perseverance that led to his great success.
“When Charlie was as a freshman at Arcadia, he hadn’t grown yet… but that didn’t stop him. Instead, he’d run more and double the workouts. It all came together his junior year when Charlie grew to be 6’1’. It was tough starting small, but it made him mentally stronger. He did everything with a smile and a twinkle in his blue eyes.”
According to Krista, Charlie loved a good challenge and could talk his way out of anything, especially his French grade.
“Charlie ultimately broke the 4-minute mile at Indiana University leading him to BUDS and ultimately becoming a SEAL.”
Krista is now embarking on accepting another accolade for her late son: Charlie being inducted into the Arizona Runners Hall of Fame created by Dr. Art Mollen in 2011. The esteemed Valley physician with over 50 years in the business aims to honor the outstanding achievements of distinguished individuals to the running community of Arizona.
“I am coming to Phoenix to accept the award. The only thing that could prevent me from being there is if my husband passes away, as he has ALS. I love visiting Arizona where I was born and raised. My first stop is the trail at 32nd Street and Lincoln where I ran with my kids when they were young. The next place I visit is my parents – they’re 89 and 92. My dad was a counselor at Arcadia High School for 40 years. It is such an honor to have my son remembered,” says Krista.
With meaningful Veteran’s Day timing, Krista, who now lives in Florida, will accept her son’s Hall of Fame induction. Dr. Mollen will be celebrating select individuals, including Krista’s dear Charlie, at a special dinner the night before his 49th Annual Phoenix 10K on Sunday, November 10th.
49th Annual Phoenix 10K
Sunday, November 10th, 2024
In 1976, Dr. Art Mollen’s vision reignited Arizona's running boom. Over the years, the race has hosted Olympic gold medalists, record holders and many first-time race participants. This year, for the first time ever, the race will be at Biltmore Fashion Park.