vv 10-23

A Proud Vietnam Vet
By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet
Charlie Sharps served as a platoon leader in
Vietnam. He subsequently earned his Master’s
in Elementary Education and a PhD in
educational policy. Teaching became his forte.
VET2VET: Charlie, after Vietnam I was a Drill Sergeant
and served with several “Shake ‘n Bake” sergeants. They were
excellent NCOs. You were selected, trained, and served in this
capacity as well. Tell us about that?
Charlie Sharps: As a Shake ’n Bake sergeant, there were
hard feelings from some old-timers who had spent a lifetime
earning similar rank. The program was started because
‘Nam was taking its toll, and replacements were needed. “Instant
NCOs” became the answer.
We all trained hard and learned to successfully lead men in combat.
In ‘Nam our tenuous Shake ‘n Bake status meant little because we
proved to be experts at reading maps, compasses, calling in artillery,
adjusting mortars, and operating as skilled leaders.
VV: Veterans have re-adjusted to civilian life in many ways. Why did
you choose education as your way?
CS: Once out of the Army, I had difficulty with crowds, loud noises
(such as fireworks) and socializing in a normal way. Adjusting to
civilian life was tough.
Rob & Gina’s
NY PIZZA
& BAGEL
CAFE
VEGAS VOICE
READERS: USE THIS
COUPON TO GET 10%
OFF YOUR MEAL!
702.
896.0794
NEW
HOURS
Tues & Wed 8am-7pm/Thurs 8am-8pm
Fri & Sat 8am-9pm/Sun 8am-3pm
Charlie Sharps
When I returned, I found studying a comfort, and it put me at ease.
I’ve continued a lifetime relationship with education as both a school
teacher and administrator.
VV: How did leadership experience in the Army prepare you
for your civilian career?
CS: Every job I’ve ever held I’ve worked to be the boss.
Whenever I have found myself in a group situation where
leadership was expected, I just did it and that was even before
my military service.
However, running a platoon of soldiers through a war zone
probably re-enforced my leadership predisposition. Men’s’
lives were in my hands, and they were willing to put them
there. My civilian career demonstrated that leadership willingness.
Classroom teacher - a leader. School superintendent - a leader.
VV: What encouragement do you have for the senior veterans?
CS: Vietnam will never be over for us; a lifetime of memories. For
veterans reading this, remember, we are the survivors. We can hold our
heads high and shout to the world, “I’m a ‘Nam Vet and damn proud
of it.”
Chuck Dean served as an Army paratrooper in Vietnam and
through that experience was led to address the many transitional
issues veterans struggle with. He is the author of several important
books for veterans.
10890 S EASTERN #108
BEHIND THE VILLAGE PUB in ANTHEM
30
October 2023