Charles Cornelisse

My husband, Charles “Chuck” Cornelisse, has devoted his life to the military and to ministry. He first enlisted in the Navy right after the end of the Vietnam War and served as a Seabee from 1975 to 1979. (His older brother had served during Vietnam and told Chuck not to enlist during the war.) Chuck had three deployments, averaging 8 months each, during this time. We learned what it meant to be resilient during those separations. After the Navy Chuck earned his Seminary degree, and was also commissioned as a Reserve Chaplain in the Air Force. He served two churches from 1984 to 1991, while also serving in the Reserves. He was called up to active duty in 1991 during the Gulf War and served at 9 different installations until 2014. During this career Chuck had two deployments to the Middle East where he earned the call sign, “Moses”, due to his age and wise counsel. He was known for his compassionate pastoral care at all of his assignments, his last being the Senior Chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery. At his retirement ceremony he was recognized for demonstrating exceptional leadership and for directing phenomenal support to over 3,800 funerals, as well as for being the moral bedrock of the joint team. After his retirement, Chuck served as a Chaplain for numerous civilian companies in the San Antonio area, as well as a hospice Chaplain for a senior care community. He continues to volunteer with his local church, as well as for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Whether or not Chuck is recognized as a Community Hero, this humble servant would really appreciate it if you would say a prayer for our military members and their families. Thank you, Garrison Brothers, for this opportunity, and thank you readers for your prayers.