September 11, 2001. If you're like me, you remember where you were down to the minute the most significant terrorist attack happened on US soil. There is an unmeasurable ripple effect to that day and one is that many people say it was the most united the country has ever been. When something life-changing happens, the fight or flight response kicks in. In this moment, a kid from Montana immediately went into fight mode and knew he would enlist in the Marines. Charles "Chuck" Monroe enlisted on September 11, 2002. Exactly one year after 9/11 as a 17-year-old; needing his parent's approval to sign off on his minor status, head off to basic training, and ultimately deploy overseas to fight the enemy and defend our country.
Prior to Chuck becoming a Recon Marine, he was in the infantry for 3rd Battalion, 1st marines and found his way in Fallujah, Iraq. November 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Second Battle of Fallujah (Operation Phantom Fury) which was the most intense urban combat since Hue City, Vietnam in 1968. It is up to the living to keep the legacy of these fallen heroes alive.
Chuck attributes being alive and living to share his story after this battle to a man that saved his life… Sergeant Morgan Strader. At 23 years old, Sgt. Strader gave his life in service of others, saving Chuck from certain death. Chuck honors Sgt. Strader's legacy by making sure everyone who will listen knows his face and his name. One thing that was made incredibly clear during my conversation with Chuck is to perform at the level he did, you must have unmatched selflessness and know that everything you are doing is for good of the team. This Veterans Day I am honored to have learned about the heroism of Sgt Strader and the many others that made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and save their brothers and sisters. We live in such an amazing country. Where anyone of any gender, race, and background can own a business, work hard, and make life better for future generations. With that in mind, Chuck now has a wonderful wife (Jennifer) and four beautiful daughters (Kailani, Kaelee, Savannah, Sierra) along with a burgeoning custom cabinetry company, Valley Woodwork.
Throughout the season of Thanksgiving, it is so important to take a moment in our busy lives to show and express gratitude. For a veteran owned business, this may be the ultimate thanks for a fallen brother or sister that saved your life. For a civilian, I pray that thanking your local veterans is something you do every day and not just one day a year.
To our Veterans:
I thank you. My family thanks you. Our community thanks you. Freedom isn't free.
"You've never lived until you've almost died. For those who have fought for it, life and freedom have a flavor the protective shall never know." - Guy de Maupassant
Article by Matt DeMarcus
Photography by Provided
Originally published in Santa Ynez Valley City Lifestyle