In Memory of Col. Charles H. Hartman, Jr., USAF (Ret.)

Charles Hartman (Chuck) was born in Valley City, ND on January 5, 1930, and passed away on November 13, 2024. He grew up on a 4th Generation family farm in Litchville, ND. He received a BS in Education from North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.

His military career spanned over 27 years of active duty as a pilot and retiring as Deputy Commander of Resource Maanagement. His most significant assignment was Commander of Bare Base Detachment at Shaw AFB, 1970. The detachment inactivated and the Bare Base Unit moved to Holloman AFB where he activated the 4449th Mobility Support Squadron (MOBSS) in 1972 and served as its first Commander. MOBSS later re-designated to the 49th Materiel Maintenance Group Bare Base and is currently designated as the 635th Materiel Maintenance Group BEAR Base. Today it represents the USAF’s largest deployment commitment and is comprised of 3,538 equipment packages, $415 million of War Reserve Material and 32 specialties.

He enlisted in July 1951, graduated basic military training at Lackland AFB, and then was accepted to Aviation Cadet Training in 1952. He received his Commission August 1953 with a pilot rating and retired as a Colonel in 1979.

During his military career he was stationed at the following bases: George AFB, CA; Chambley Base, France; James Connally AFB, TX; Lackland AFB, TX; Upper Heyford AFB England; Shaw AFB, SC; and Holloman AFB, NM. He flew many airframes including F-86, B-25, C-47, F-89, T-29, T-33, Bell H-13, and the RF-101. In addition, he was a functional check flight pilot and was an instructor for four years at Officer Training School.

Military awards and decorations include: The Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star, The Meritorious Service Medal, The Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, The Good Conduct Medal, The National Defense Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, The Air Force Commendation Medal with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Ribbon with Palm. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He deployed to the 7th Air Force in Vietnam where he flew with the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron. He later returned to Vietnam for a second deployment from 1969 to 1970.

Before retiring from the military, he and his late wife Millie, owned Casa Decor, a gift shop in Alamogordo. Once retired, businesses included Pier 1 Imports (Las Cruces, NM) and Eagle’s Nest (Alamogordo, NM).

He was involved with the following professional and community service organizations to include the following: Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and was instrumental in chartering this organization in 1991 (lifetime member), Elks (lifetime member) and served as the Exalted Ruler from 1994-1995 and was the Building Chairman for the current facility located in Alamogordo, NM. Beginning in 1972, and a member of Kiwanis International, holding many high-level offices including the Governor of the Southwest District, and Lieutenant Governor positions. He was instrumental in launching several new Kiwanis Clubs throughout Southern New Mexico.

Chuck was a true warrior and an exceptional person, deeply devoted to his family. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. A proud patriot, he gave selflessly to his community and found immense joy in his children and grandchildren. His love and support for those around him were unwavering, and his legacy will be remembered with pride.

He is survived by his wife, Viola (Vi) Hartman; his daughters, Kim Guthrie (Steve) Alamogordo, Karen Beck, Dallas, TX, Paula Johnson, Dallas, TX; granddaughters, Tara Sinkule (Brian) Alexandria, VA , Brittany Sanchez (David) Midland TX, Amber Leigh Martinson (Jason) Dallas, TX; grandsons, Chase Beck (Hannah) , Ryan Beck, Jarret Beck, and Jonathan Martz (Becky), Dallas, TX; great grandchildren, Avery, Anabelle, Avalyn, Cash, Mason, and Dawson; brother, Gene Hartman (Joan); sister, Cheryl Mason; many stepchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Millie Hartman; son, Dwight Hartman; parents, Charles and Olive Hartman; brother, Vernon Hartman.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Community Church at 2960 North Scenic Drive in Alamogordo on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, viewing at 1:00 pm, service at 1:30 pm with Pastor Eric Lucero officiating. Interment will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery.

Pallbearers include grandsons, Chase Beck, Ryan Beck, Jarret Beck, Jonathan Martz, Brian Sinkule, and David Sanchez. Honorary Pallbearer, Jason Martinson.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at The Elks Club following interment. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to Kiwanis Club of Alamogordo, Kiwanis Southwest District Foundation, or Alamogordo Elks #1897.

The Hartman family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the funeral services.