By Nancy Price
Sgt. Charles Brown knew he wanted to serve his country when he was still in high school. “I enlisted back in September 1999 during my senior year,” he said. “I wanted the opportunity to be a part of something greater than myself while receiving education benefits and traveling the world.”
A native of Sacramento, Calif., Brown has been stationed in more than 25 different countries as a 38B, Civil Affairs Specialist. “Loosely translated as Foreign Relations,” he explained. “I assisted in Refugee Operations, Humanitarian Efforts and country development.” Brown studied IT at the University of Phoenix; religion, biblical and theology studies at Liberty University and business at Ivy Tech and IUPUI.
A Center Grove resident for the past four years, Brown is married with three children and enjoys spending time with his family and volunteers with Greenwood Meals on Wheels, Gleaners Food Pantry and Helping Hands. He is an Army recruiter on the Southside of Indianapolis.
“I love seeing my fellow military members being welcomed back by family and friends, and those who care to be there at the airports when they first arrive back into the states,” Brown said. “It always brings a tear to my eyes to see that the nation we sacrifice a lot for is there for support. Thank you to everyone.”
What is your greatest virtue?
Empathy. I have a way of relating to people on different levels.
What upsets you?
The mistreatment of people, in general.
What do you like best about Center Grove?
Center Grove is a well-connected community that prides themselves on keeping good standards including overall business, presentation and education.
What’s your favorite Southside eatery?
My family and I really enjoy eating at Bonefish Grill or Oaken Barrel.
If you had to live anywhere else in the Metro Indianapolis area, where would it be?
The Southside has my heart, so it would here in Center Grove, Southport, or Franklin Township
If you could begin life over, what would you change?
Nothing. I do not regret any decisions I have made in the past.
If money were no issue, how would you spend it?
Investing into nonprofit organizations that care for people with disabilities. Investing into state education resources. Investing into small local businesses.
What makes you happiest?
Being with family and friends.
Pick three adjectives that best describe you.
Intelligent, thoughtful and friendly.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Woodland Park, Colorado
What do you do with idle time?
I stay busy; no idle time.
What would you change about our culture if you could?
I would say to not be so business oriented ALL the time; I would like to see people start conversations without demanding an agenda.
How do you escape from reality?
I will jump on the Xbox with my friends from back home in California and play Call of Duty.
What do you love most in life?
The power of choice.
Which living person in Center Grove do you most admire?
Mark Brunette, retired Army Reserve, registered nurse, teacher and comrade.
What quality do you admire most in another person?
Uniqueness; everyone is different in their own way. I like to recognize that.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Traveling, but not with this COVID travel ban.
What is your greatest fear?
Outliving my children.
Is there a special talent you really wish you had?
I wish I could be a musician. Music helps to heal the soul.
What do you most value in your friends?
Humor. They need to laugh at my jokes without question.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What tenet do you live by?
Treat other people the way you would want to be treated.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am a practicing visual artist in paint, charcoal, pastels, pencil, ink, ceramics, metal, wood and plastics.
