Chuck Sankey, of Hutchinson, a soldier's soldier, dies at 73. Every generation has its heroes and Chuck Sankey was a genuine war hero of his generation. He died a quiet and dignified death Jan. 25, 2018, in Wichita, from the lingering effects of Agent Orange and serious wounds he received nearly 50 years ago. He was 73.

As a young Army infantry officer, Chuck distinguished himself during the Vietnam War, winning a Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry in action, a Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat, an Army Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement, and a Purple Heart for extensive wounds received in April 1969.

In the most-serious action that nearly cost him his life, Chuck was helping lead a company of Vietnamese soldiers near a suspected enemy position when they were struck by a large, command-detonated mine, followed by intense rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire. Within 20 minutes, 90 percent of the Vietnamese forward element became casualties. Despite his own wounds, Chuck remained in an exposed position, directing return fire, medevacs and ammunition resupply. He refused to be evacuated until the firefight ended and all other casualties were evacuated. According to Chuck's Silver Star commendation, his valiant actions inspired the Vietnamese soldiers to fight against overwhelming odds.

A decade later, Chuck had another near-fatal war zone experience while serving with United Nations' peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, trying to keep hostile Israeli, Syrian and Lebanese troops at bay. Chuck and his fellow U.N. peacekeepers were caught in a heavy Israeli artillery barrage. A soldier's soldier, Chuck earned the nickname Captain America among his peers because of his straight-arrow nature, fighting spirit, superb physical condition, leadership skills, esprit de corps, and commanding presence.

His Army experience also included several teaching assignments, including training African-nation leaders in command and control; training Air Force F-16 pilots in air-ground operations, and instructing military science students at the University of Colorado. He spent four years on the staff of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point as a regimental executive and company tactical officer, commanding a company of 110 West Point cadets, serving as their principal adviser, counselor and instructor.

The high point of his time at West Point was heading a prototype unit for the introduction of women into the cadet corps, while the low point was dealing with a major academic cheating scandal. His worst peacetime assignment was commanding troops of the 82nd Airborne Division who helped quell the 1971 May Day anti-Vietnam War riots and protests in Washington, D.C. Chuck came to resent the mass arrests that violated citizens' civil rights.

Chuck's interest in pursuing a military career developed while he was a student at Central High School in Phoenix. He was class president his freshman and sophomore years, and student body president his senior year, as well as homecoming king. Following graduation, he attended New Mexico Military Institute, where he earned an associate's degree. From there he went to Arizona State University where he received a bachelor of science degree in management and was the student commander of the ASU ROTC. While in the Army, he earned a master of science degree in human resources from San Diego State University, and was a distinguished graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College. Chuck was an Airborne Ranger and avid skydiver, making more than 300 logged, freefall and recreational jumps.

He also was an amazing parent who always put his children first. His fatherly perseverance, support and love made him a hero to his children and grandson. He will be missed beyond measure by his entire family.

Following his retirement from the Army in 1988, Chuck joined a high-tech firm in Atlanta before deciding to pursue an advanced degree in education. He returned to the classrooms at Arizona State to earn his Doctorate of Education. That degree was followed by years of teaching, counseling at-risk high school students, and developing innovative educational tools and techniques.

After moving to Hutchinson a dozen years ago, he tutored at Avenue A Elementary School, worked for his church, cruised extensively with his wife, dabbled in stain-glass making and carpentry, and became a Tea Party activist. In his later years, he was a frequent contributor to the Letters section of the Hutchinson News.

Chuck dealt with clinically diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder for more than 35 years. He talked about it publicly and wrote about his own experience, urging families of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to watch for specific signs and providing them with a list of actions to take.

Chuck is survived by: his wife, Elma Hunsinger of Hutchinson; daughter, Gaylan (Christina) of Weehawken, N.J.; son, David of Scottsdale, Ariz.; brother, Bruce of Oklahoma City; grandson, Eli of Weehawken; and nephew, Tim (Xiomara) of Spring Branch, Texas.

He was born Dec. 24, 1944, in Akron, Ohio; he spent his formative years in Kingman, Kan., and was the son of the late Kenneth B. and Jeanette P. Sankey of Phoenix.

There will be a small service for family and friends at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Columbarium inside Trinity Episcopal Church, 400 W. Ash, El Dorado, Kan. Plans for interment of his ashes at Arlington National Cemetery later this year are underway. A memorial in Chuck's name has been established with Crossroads Christian Church, 4310 N. Monroe St., Hutchinson, KS 67502.