SOUTH PARIS — Maine Veterans’ Homes has announced U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Charles “Charlie” Benge as its Veteran of the Month.

Benge was born in Versailles, Ky., on Jan. 1, 1937, and grew up in Richmond, Ind. Benge graduated from Richmond Senior High School and soon after graduation on March 3, 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Benge served in various capacities throughout his career, with his primary duties as administrative specialist, heavy equipment operator, intelligence support, drill instructor, infantryman and platoon sergeant.

Benge was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Fort Riley, Kan., Fort Carson, Col., Fort Campbell, Ky., Fort Polk, La. and Fort Hood, Texas, as well as France and Germany. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam.

When Benge was serving in Fort Hood, he and his platoon were on full guard duty and they rode their bikes into the tunnels in a mountain to protect the atomic weapons. Benge also did this while he was serving in Munster, Germany.

Benge married Claudia in 1964, and they have two boys and six grandchildren.

Benge was discharged after 20 years of service on May 31, 1975. During his career he received many letters of commendation, and along with those he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver and two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal Clasp, Silver, one Loop and the Meritorious Service Medal.

After his retirement, Benge attended Westbrook College and earned his bachelor’s degree in two years. He then worked as a senior buyer for Unum until his retirement.

Benge and his family also traveled, and he played golf and visited relatives in Indiana, Ohio and Louisiana. He coached junior high school football and boys baseball. He spent time as head of the Westbrook Little League.
Benge has been active as a member and past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and he was also an active participant as a Mason.

Charlie came to the Maine Veterans’ Homes in May 2013. He enjoys reading, watching the Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants, passing out candy to the staff and visiting children and talking to other residents.