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Eddy Charles Tapped for National Guard Top Spot

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Jan. 13, 2005 –– Gov. Charles Turnbull on Thursday nominated Col. Eddy Charles Sr. for the post of V.I. National Guard adjutant general.
Charles most recently served as head of the Law Enforcement Planning Commission and Turnbull's drug policy advisor. He has held that job since January 2002.
Charles is a career military man. Before joining LEPC, he served as deputy commander, territorial area command, which made him the second ranking officer in the V.I. National Guard.
He is a member of the Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands Joint Terrorism Task Force, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Executive Board and the territory's Homeland Security Council.
He replaces Gen. Cleave McBean, who retired at the end of December 2004.
Charles has been a member of the V.I. Army National Guard since 1976. He has held various offices and received numerous decorations, including the meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.
"Col. Charles is best suited to lead the V.I. National Guard at this time in our history when our nation is at war. He is properly prepared and trained for this awesome task and responsibility," Turnbull said in a news release.
He sent Charles' name to the Legislature Wednesday for the Senate's consideration.
A call left at Charles' St. Croix office was not returned.
Charles graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and English. Additionally, he holds credits from Troy State University towards a master's degree in international relations.
He moved to Virgin Islands from his native Dominica July 26, 1970. He became a U.S. citizen on July 4, 1976 in a ceremony that marked the nation's bicentennial year.
Charles served in the U.S. Army from October 1971 to December 1974. He spent most of his time overseas as a French linguist and finance specialist at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) headquarters in Belgium. Additionally, he served with the 106th Finance Section in Stuttgart, Germany.
He was named Soldier of the Quarter several times. Twice he was named Solider of the Year.
Charles balances his military career with gospel singing.
Charles and his wife, Peturna Laura Richardson, have six children and seven grandchildren.

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