Charles "Chuck" Edward Michalec

He is survived by his mother, Josephine Soza Michalec; his loving Aunt Raquel Soza and his sister Stephanie Michalec Thompson and nephew, Nathaniel Thompson. He was pre-deceased by his father, Charles Frederick Michalec. He was blessed to have Aunt Beverly and Aunt Jean; deceased Uncles; many cousins and their children.

Charles was born in Ankara, Turkey on May 17, 1966 of American Foreign Service parents stationed in Turkey at that time. Due to his parents’ many assignments, Charles grew up in various foreign countries: Yemen, Pakistan, Thailand, Peru, Mexico and the Netherlands. In Peru he attended Markham’s British Boy’s School; Greengates British School in Mexico and the British School of the Netherlands. All three of these schools required a uniform thus making future military uniforms normal wear. He joined both the British and American Boy Scouts organizations and achieved his American Eagle Scout award in 1984. He developed an interest in barebow archery, photography and computers. While in the Netherlands, Charles was introduced to the requirements for applying to the Air Force Academy by first, a long-time family friend, Bob Fessler and later John Crump.

Charles received his nomination to the Academy from Senator Morris Udall of Arizona and was accepted to The United States Air Force Academy Class of 1988. Thus, Charles began his challenging and rewarding career in the Air Force. The Class graduated on June 1, 1988.

Following graduation, Charles entered pilot training and eventually piloted the KC-135 Stratotanker, often referred to as the Air Force’s Flying Gas Station. He served during the 1990 Desert Shield operation and the 1991 Desert Storm and Desert Sabre operations. Other assignments took him to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, the Emirates and to Air Bases in Kansas, New York, South Carolina and Nevada.

Charles retired from the United States Air Force on May 30, 2008. Following retirement, he joined the military consulting firm, MAG Aerospace.

Charles will be laid to rest beside his father at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona. Chuck you will be missed for your kindness, loyalty and generosity to all always. Rest in peace.

Charles’ family appreciates the many messages of condolence and offers to assist in any way possible. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Association of Graduates of the Air Force Academy. 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, Colorado 80840-4475 or to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A visitation for Chuck will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85013. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85017. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 719 North 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85009.