Life Member 003
Charles (Charlie) M. Monson
We are so sorry and sad to report that JCSE-VA Life Member #003 Charlie Monson, passed away on May 18, 2024. Charlie had 2-tours as the JCSE Command Sergeant Major in the 1980s and he was a founding member of the JCSE Veterans Association. Charlie was also the recipient of JCSE-VA Gold Coin #002. For the 1st 11-years of his over 30-year military career, Charlie was a Special Forces A-Team Member & a combat decorated veteran for his service during the Vietnam War. He was a Master Parachutist & a Military Scuba Diver. He was awarded 2-Bronze Stars with “Vs” for Valor in combat, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge & also the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. The Bronze Stars with “Vs” are our nation’s 4th highest award for valor in combat and coupled with Charlie’s Purple Heart tell you all that you need to know about his time in Vietnam—He was a Hero who selflessly put his life on the line in combat probably routinely, but at least 2-significant instances that someone took the time to write about and submit him for awards. Charlie was also the recipient of an impressive list of other medals that were each awarded at different times over his military career: the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; 3-Army Meritorious Service Medals, 2-Joint Service Commendation Medals, 2-Army Commendation Medals; & 2-Army Achievement Medals along with a chest full of lesser but significant awards. Charlie stood out as a leader & exceptional soldier amongst soldiers.
Obituary
Charles Michael Monson
June 26, 1939 - May 18, 2024
Retired, CSM Charles (Charlie) Michael Monson, a Special Forces Green Beret and A-Team Member during the Vietnam War, passed away on May 18, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Henry Monson and Edna McKinney Monson and his daughter, Cynthia Lynn Monson Strebeigh and great-grandson, Gabriel Ashworth.
Known for his sense of humor, compassion for people and love for his country, Charlie will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Charlie's family asks that he be remembered for the joy he brought to others in life and not the sadness of his passing. He is survived by his wife Trisha Monson, his daughter, Michelle Hazzard (Bill), his step-son Charles Carter. His grandchildren, Lincoln Ashworth (Raven), Aaron Ashworth (Hannah), Mallory Tait, Jason Strebeigh and his great-grandchildren, Austen, Caroline, Judah, Elias and Laney Ashworth. He also leaves behind his beloved cat, Felix.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park and Crematory, 6919 Providence Road, Riverview, FL on May 30, 2024 at 10:00 am. The family will receive friends there at 9:00-10:00 am. The burial will be held at Florida National Cemetery with honors at, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Charlie's honor to one of the following organizations of your choice.
Joint Communications Support Element Veterans Asso. jcseva.com, Tunnel To Towers t2t.org, or American Diabetes Association diabetes.org.
