LTC Carlos 'Charlie' Garcia Memorial Service
Thursday, February 17th, 4:00pm at
Christ Community Church, 530 South Pantano Road, Tucson, AZ
Carlos loved God, his family, his country, and his friends! He was a leader of the Church, a devoted loving husband, father, brother, uncle and a friend who was always willing to give of himself. Carlos is gone too soon, but his life walking in the faith of Jesus Christ and loving others more than he loved himself is a shining example to all of us. He will be greatly missed!
Carlos was born on 7 December, 1957 at James Connally AFB, Waco, TX, to Carlos and Clara (Vidaurri) Garcia. Following his fathers' AF career, the family moved from base to base, growing up in Texas, Oklahoma, Utah, Goose Bay, Labrador, and Panama. Charlie graduated from Balboa HS, Canal Zone Panama in 1976.
His military career began during that time with ROTC, a passion he would support his whole life. Following a year at the Academy Prep School, he was admitted into the Air Force Academy in 1978, where he stayed for one year before moving on to Southwest Texas State University. He completed a BS in Criminal Justice and completed his dream of becoming a pilot.
He was commissioned into the US Air Force in 1981, completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus, Mississippi in 1981-82, Class 82-05. After a stop through Tucson for A-7 training, he was assigned to the 180th Fighter Group, Toledo ANG as part of the 'Project Season' (1986-88).
There he met his 'princess' Mary Beth, and married in Toledo, OH on July 25, 1987.
Their Air Force adventure together then began with 'jump seats' on a cargo plane flight into Panama, ("only the best for his princess") where he flew OA-37's with the 24th TASS, Howard AFB, Canal Zone (1986-1988).
Next, they headed to Torrejon AB, Spain, to fly F-16's with the 613th Fighter Squadron (1988-1991). Those active duty assignments took him all over Central and South Americas, Europe and the Middle East.
In 1991, he returned stateside to join the 162nd Fighter Group, Arizona Air National Guard, here in Tucson. In his 18 years with the 162 FW, "Panama" graduated from the Fighter Weapons School, instructed in the International Weapons Course, Commanded the Security Forces Squadron and instructed F-16 pilots from not only the United States, but from Air Forces across the world.
After retiring from the Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel, he continued instructing academics and simulators until his passing. "Panama" actively trained F-16 pilots for 30 years impacting generations of pilots from various countries and through his dedication and exceptional service he tried to make this a better and safer world.
It is in Tucson that Charlie and MB started their family. Christina was born in 1992 and Jenna in 1995. Charlie loved his now 'queen' and the two little 'princesses'!
His life revolved around the girls as they grew up. He was the first dad at their swim meets, joined them in every activity, and enjoyed teaching them tools, auto and home repairs. The family were avid campers and traveled across Arizona and loved going to Rocky Point and California.
In 1994 Carlos made the decision to follow Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. And he followed with a passion! He studied his King James Bible daily until it had to be held together with duct tape and then moved on to using online Bible study. Carlos was ordained an elder at Christ Community Church (CCC) in 2006. He had a passion for teaching God's word and preached occasionally at CCC and regularly at Fellowship Square Senior Community and Tucson Meadows along with officiating marriages and memorials. Carlos, a truly good and faithful servant, laid up treasures for himself in Heaven and spent the last decades of his life faithfully preaching God's word.
Carlos passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones and the prayers of many more after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Mary Beth, daughters Tina (& Jordan) Conroy and Jenna Garcia, brother David (& Karen) Garcia and sister Gloria (& Joe Cardinal) Garcia. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Charlie was laid to rest at East Lawn Palms Cemetery, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712.
Thursday, February 17th, 4:00pm at
Christ Community Church, 530 South Pantano Road, Tucson, AZ
Carlos loved God, his family, his country, and his friends! He was a leader of the Church, a devoted loving husband, father, brother, uncle and a friend who was always willing to give of himself. Carlos is gone too soon, but his life walking in the faith of Jesus Christ and loving others more than he loved himself is a shining example to all of us. He will be greatly missed!
Carlos was born on 7 December, 1957 at James Connally AFB, Waco, TX, to Carlos and Clara (Vidaurri) Garcia. Following his fathers' AF career, the family moved from base to base, growing up in Texas, Oklahoma, Utah, Goose Bay, Labrador, and Panama. Charlie graduated from Balboa HS, Canal Zone Panama in 1976.
His military career began during that time with ROTC, a passion he would support his whole life. Following a year at the Academy Prep School, he was admitted into the Air Force Academy in 1978, where he stayed for one year before moving on to Southwest Texas State University. He completed a BS in Criminal Justice and completed his dream of becoming a pilot.
He was commissioned into the US Air Force in 1981, completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus, Mississippi in 1981-82, Class 82-05. After a stop through Tucson for A-7 training, he was assigned to the 180th Fighter Group, Toledo ANG as part of the 'Project Season' (1986-88).
There he met his 'princess' Mary Beth, and married in Toledo, OH on July 25, 1987.
Their Air Force adventure together then began with 'jump seats' on a cargo plane flight into Panama, ("only the best for his princess") where he flew OA-37's with the 24th TASS, Howard AFB, Canal Zone (1986-1988).
Next, they headed to Torrejon AB, Spain, to fly F-16's with the 613th Fighter Squadron (1988-1991). Those active duty assignments took him all over Central and South Americas, Europe and the Middle East.
In 1991, he returned stateside to join the 162nd Fighter Group, Arizona Air National Guard, here in Tucson. In his 18 years with the 162 FW, "Panama" graduated from the Fighter Weapons School, instructed in the International Weapons Course, Commanded the Security Forces Squadron and instructed F-16 pilots from not only the United States, but from Air Forces across the world.
After retiring from the Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel, he continued instructing academics and simulators until his passing. "Panama" actively trained F-16 pilots for 30 years impacting generations of pilots from various countries and through his dedication and exceptional service he tried to make this a better and safer world.
It is in Tucson that Charlie and MB started their family. Christina was born in 1992 and Jenna in 1995. Charlie loved his now 'queen' and the two little 'princesses'!
His life revolved around the girls as they grew up. He was the first dad at their swim meets, joined them in every activity, and enjoyed teaching them tools, auto and home repairs. The family were avid campers and traveled across Arizona and loved going to Rocky Point and California.
In 1994 Carlos made the decision to follow Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. And he followed with a passion! He studied his King James Bible daily until it had to be held together with duct tape and then moved on to using online Bible study. Carlos was ordained an elder at Christ Community Church (CCC) in 2006. He had a passion for teaching God's word and preached occasionally at CCC and regularly at Fellowship Square Senior Community and Tucson Meadows along with officiating marriages and memorials. Carlos, a truly good and faithful servant, laid up treasures for himself in Heaven and spent the last decades of his life faithfully preaching God's word.
Carlos passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones and the prayers of many more after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Mary Beth, daughters Tina (& Jordan) Conroy and Jenna Garcia, brother David (& Karen) Garcia and sister Gloria (& Joe Cardinal) Garcia. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Charlie was laid to rest at East Lawn Palms Cemetery, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712.
LTC Carlos 'Charlie' Garcia Memorial Service
Thursday, February 17th, 4:00pm at
Christ Community Church, 530 South Pantano Road, Tucson, AZ
Carlos loved God, his family, his country, and his friends! He was a leader of the Church, a devoted loving husband, father, brother, uncle and a friend who was always willing to give of himself. Carlos is gone too soon, but his life walking in the faith of Jesus Christ and loving others more than he loved himself is a shining example to all of us. He will be greatly missed!
Carlos was born on 7 December, 1957 at James Connally AFB, Waco, TX, to Carlos and Clara (Vidaurri) Garcia. Following his fathers' AF career, the family moved from base to base, growing up in Texas, Oklahoma, Utah, Goose Bay, Labrador, and Panama. Charlie graduated from Balboa HS, Canal Zone Panama in 1976.
His military career began during that time with ROTC, a passion he would support his whole life. Following a year at the Academy Prep School, he was admitted into the Air Force Academy in 1978, where he stayed for one year before moving on to Southwest Texas State University. He completed a BS in Criminal Justice and completed his dream of becoming a pilot.
He was commissioned into the US Air Force in 1981, completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus, Mississippi in 1981-82, Class 82-05. After a stop through Tucson for A-7 training, he was assigned to the 180th Fighter Group, Toledo ANG as part of the 'Project Season' (1986-88).
There he met his 'princess' Mary Beth, and married in Toledo, OH on July 25, 1987.
Their Air Force adventure together then began with 'jump seats' on a cargo plane flight into Panama, ("only the best for his princess") where he flew OA-37's with the 24th TASS, Howard AFB, Canal Zone (1986-1988).
Next, they headed to Torrejon AB, Spain, to fly F-16's with the 613th Fighter Squadron (1988-1991). Those active duty assignments took him all over Central and South Americas, Europe and the Middle East.
In 1991, he returned stateside to join the 162nd Fighter Group, Arizona Air National Guard, here in Tucson. In his 18 years with the 162 FW, "Panama" graduated from the Fighter Weapons School, instructed in the International Weapons Course, Commanded the Security Forces Squadron and instructed F-16 pilots from not only the United States, but from Air Forces across the world.
After retiring from the Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel, he continued instructing academics and simulators until his passing. "Panama" actively trained F-16 pilots for 30 years impacting generations of pilots from various countries and through his dedication and exceptional service he tried to make this a better and safer world.
It is in Tucson that Charlie and MB started their family. Christina was born in 1992 and Jenna in 1995. Charlie loved his now 'queen' and the two little 'princesses'!
His life revolved around the girls as they grew up. He was the first dad at their swim meets, joined them in every activity, and enjoyed teaching them tools, auto and home repairs. The family were avid campers and traveled across Arizona and loved going to Rocky Point and California.
In 1994 Carlos made the decision to follow Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. And he followed with a passion! He studied his King James Bible daily until it had to be held together with duct tape and then moved on to using online Bible study. Carlos was ordained an elder at Christ Community Church (CCC) in 2006. He had a passion for teaching God's word and preached occasionally at CCC and regularly at Fellowship Square Senior Community and Tucson Meadows along with officiating marriages and memorials. Carlos, a truly good and faithful servant, laid up treasures for himself in Heaven and spent the last decades of his life faithfully preaching God's word.
Carlos passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones and the prayers of many more after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Mary Beth, daughters Tina (& Jordan) Conroy and Jenna Garcia, brother David (& Karen) Garcia and sister Gloria (& Joe Cardinal) Garcia. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Charlie was laid to rest at East Lawn Palms Cemetery, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712.
Thursday, February 17th, 4:00pm at
Christ Community Church, 530 South Pantano Road, Tucson, AZ
Carlos loved God, his family, his country, and his friends! He was a leader of the Church, a devoted loving husband, father, brother, uncle and a friend who was always willing to give of himself. Carlos is gone too soon, but his life walking in the faith of Jesus Christ and loving others more than he loved himself is a shining example to all of us. He will be greatly missed!
Carlos was born on 7 December, 1957 at James Connally AFB, Waco, TX, to Carlos and Clara (Vidaurri) Garcia. Following his fathers' AF career, the family moved from base to base, growing up in Texas, Oklahoma, Utah, Goose Bay, Labrador, and Panama. Charlie graduated from Balboa HS, Canal Zone Panama in 1976.
His military career began during that time with ROTC, a passion he would support his whole life. Following a year at the Academy Prep School, he was admitted into the Air Force Academy in 1978, where he stayed for one year before moving on to Southwest Texas State University. He completed a BS in Criminal Justice and completed his dream of becoming a pilot.
He was commissioned into the US Air Force in 1981, completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus, Mississippi in 1981-82, Class 82-05. After a stop through Tucson for A-7 training, he was assigned to the 180th Fighter Group, Toledo ANG as part of the 'Project Season' (1986-88).
There he met his 'princess' Mary Beth, and married in Toledo, OH on July 25, 1987.
Their Air Force adventure together then began with 'jump seats' on a cargo plane flight into Panama, ("only the best for his princess") where he flew OA-37's with the 24th TASS, Howard AFB, Canal Zone (1986-1988).
Next, they headed to Torrejon AB, Spain, to fly F-16's with the 613th Fighter Squadron (1988-1991). Those active duty assignments took him all over Central and South Americas, Europe and the Middle East.
In 1991, he returned stateside to join the 162nd Fighter Group, Arizona Air National Guard, here in Tucson. In his 18 years with the 162 FW, "Panama" graduated from the Fighter Weapons School, instructed in the International Weapons Course, Commanded the Security Forces Squadron and instructed F-16 pilots from not only the United States, but from Air Forces across the world.
After retiring from the Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel, he continued instructing academics and simulators until his passing. "Panama" actively trained F-16 pilots for 30 years impacting generations of pilots from various countries and through his dedication and exceptional service he tried to make this a better and safer world.
It is in Tucson that Charlie and MB started their family. Christina was born in 1992 and Jenna in 1995. Charlie loved his now 'queen' and the two little 'princesses'!
His life revolved around the girls as they grew up. He was the first dad at their swim meets, joined them in every activity, and enjoyed teaching them tools, auto and home repairs. The family were avid campers and traveled across Arizona and loved going to Rocky Point and California.
In 1994 Carlos made the decision to follow Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. And he followed with a passion! He studied his King James Bible daily until it had to be held together with duct tape and then moved on to using online Bible study. Carlos was ordained an elder at Christ Community Church (CCC) in 2006. He had a passion for teaching God's word and preached occasionally at CCC and regularly at Fellowship Square Senior Community and Tucson Meadows along with officiating marriages and memorials. Carlos, a truly good and faithful servant, laid up treasures for himself in Heaven and spent the last decades of his life faithfully preaching God's word.
Carlos passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones and the prayers of many more after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Mary Beth, daughters Tina (& Jordan) Conroy and Jenna Garcia, brother David (& Karen) Garcia and sister Gloria (& Joe Cardinal) Garcia. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Charlie was laid to rest at East Lawn Palms Cemetery, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712.
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