Charles Paksi has served in the U.S. military for 29 years, and he shares, with amazing transparency and humility, the story of his life and the men who God used to mould him into the courageous man of faith, grateful son, devoted husband, loving father and faithful friend he is today.
Although Charles does not like talking about himself, his stories also reveal how God has used him to shape other men. From those on his “left” who influenced him, to those on his “right” who he is influencing, we see how God uses the power of relationship to raise up, train and protect his children.
Paksi looks back and recognizes how God blessed him and prepared him for his future as a warrior, a leader, a husband, a father and a friend through the people he encountered and the lessons they taught him. From a father who instilled in him a deep appreciation for faith, freedom and the privilege of being an American, to the uncle who inspired him at age 7 to become a Marine, to the bully who showed him the difference between offense and defense, to the man who exhibited the power of a man on foot, to the coach and small town that helped him understand the importance of culture, to the teammate who instilled the need to be prepared at all times, to the seasoned Marines who taught him through their actions the importance of love for the man on your left and right. He knows there were no coincidences.
Charles vulnerably explains the humbling experience of bootcamp and learning that you must rely on the Marine to your left and your right. He also reflects on the first time, at the tender age of 19, he witnessed a fellow Marine get killed and then observed the courageous response of his leader. And he shares the life-changing “born again” experience when he believed he was likely to die.
Through an extensive Q&A session following his talk, Charles gives a glimpse into why his life may hold many titles and many jobs, but he is, and always will be, a United States Marine.
Thanks to Charles!
When I grew up, I was something of a “punk kid”; my parents were good to me, but I was living in a community setting which was difficult for me — I was younger than everyone else in the grade and probably lacked the maturity to cope, in a good way, but I grew up. I joined the USMC (Fall 1955) because i wanted them to help me grow up.
Along the way I have been blessed with having GOOD PEOPLE along the way helping contribute to growing up. The Marines gave me a LOT MORE than I gave them, but that is where i was at the stage in life.
Since then, I graduated from college and seminary and was a Lutheran minister for 45 years, retiring 20 years ago. Yesterday, I turned 85, and this past month I underwent a 4x CABG (=Coronary Arterial Bypass Grafts), and am recovering well. Along the way I owe SO MUCH to SO MANY that I can hardly count them all. I’ve been tempted to leave the track which was good, but somehow, I managed to survive in the best way — not particularly to my credit, I think that it was the LORD guiding me in a manner far better than I deserved. For that I give thanks, and I give thanks for the people who helped along the way — even when I didn’t realize it. Along the way, I think the USMC was a FACTOR in my becoming who I am. for that I thank God.
You are welcome Norman!
Your ministry has certainly shaped the lives of many along the path of life.
Semper Fi