Fr. Chuck Beierwaltes joined other veterans for a trip of a lifetime aboard the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight on October 29. In a grand gesture of thanks to those who secured America’s freedom, the nation-wide Honor Flight Network brings veterans to the nation’s capital to visit the memorials that commemorate their service.

To avoid being drafted into service, Fr. Chuck enlisted in the United States Army on April 9, 1953 and requested to serve in the Army Band. He was assigned to the 31st Infantry Division Band at Camp Atterbury in Indiana.

After completing Basic Training, Chuck was sent to Frankfurt, Germany to perform in the 4th Infantry Division Band as a drummer. Serving as a musician in the Army is an opportunity to work for the largest employer of musicians in the world. Whether it’s a ceremonial performance or a concert to boost the morale of soldiers, Army Band members serve their country while making music. Corporal Charles Beierwaltes was honorably discharged from military service on January 20, 1956 and received a Korean War Emblem.

Fr. Chuck was grateful that the Daughters of the Louisiana Purchase Chapter NSDAR nominated him as “Patriot of the Month” earlier this year, and he considers being chosen for the recent Honor Flight another incredible blessing. 

“There is no way whatsoever to fully describe what this God-given group had in store for the 65 veterans and their sponsors. Of the 65 vets, only nine of us served during the Korean War,” he said.

The group also visited the Air Force Memorial, the Martin Luther King Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial before enjoying dinner at Potomac Park. An hour later, they were back at DCA for their flight home.

“Serving in the military wasn’t my serious plan as a youth, but that experience led me to appreciate life,” Fr. Chuck said. “I answered my vocation call and have enjoyed a wonderful life of ministry. I send daily messages to more than 100 folks all over the world, and am grateful to be well enough to help out at two nearby parishes I previously served as pastor – Mary Mother of the Church and St. Alphonsus “Rock” Parish.”