Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran William ‘Chuck’ Whittlesey

Veteran of the Day graphic created by Bryttni Carpenter for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Chuck Whittlesey was a Marine Drill Instructor during his military career.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Veteran William Charles “Chuck” Whittlesey. Chuck served from 1967 to 1992.

Chuck was born in 1945 and enlisted in the Marine Corps on March 21, 1967 as an infantryman. In his career, Chuck became a Marine Corps Drill Instructor and later rose to the rank of chief warrant officer four as a nuclear, biological and chemical officer. He also participated in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970, and Operation Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991.

During his service, Chuck was awarded the Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with valor, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross with palm), Sea Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.

Chuck retired from the Marine Corps in 1992 at the rank of CW4 and currently lives in Castroville, Texas.

Thank you for your service, Chuck!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors:

Graphic designer: Bryttni Carpenter

Fact checker: Agnes Song

Editor: Joe Trivette