SMSgt. (Ret.) Charles McJunkin Jr.

Our dad, SMSgt. (Ret.) Charles McJunkin Jr, passed away on the night of February 25th, 2009, due to complications from cancer, and diabetes. SMSgt. (Ret.) Charles McJunkin Jr. entered the United States Air Force on May 31st, 1956. He was honorably discharged on September 30th, 1982. He served seven tours of duty, during the Vietnam War.

Upon retiring from the Air Force after nearly 27 years, our dad then began a second career, as an elementary school teacher, for the Colton Joint Unified School District. He was also dedicated to volunteering his time and efforts with many organizations to include: The Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, The Knights of Columbus, The Boy Scouts of America, Bethlehem House, Mary's Mercy Center & Food Bank, The Retired Enlisted Association, The Air Force Sergeants Association, Little League Baseball, St. Adelaide's Catholic Church, and community of Highland, California, all while maintaining a wonderful and loving home, with his wife, of nearly 41 years, Saturnina Villanueva McJunkin.

SMSgt. (Ret.) Charles McJunkin Jr, was a member of various EIS and COM Squadrons during his time in service, to include: 56th COM, 58th Com, 11th COM Construction Flight, 1st MOB, 485th EIS/GEEIA, 1837th EIS (Det. 2 - Yukota), 1963rd Com (CAT team), 608th Com, ACS (Alaska), AC&W Squadron (Naselle, WA), 18th COM (Osan, South Korea), AACS, 1957th Com, 1965th Com, and the 1835th EIS (Norton AFB, San Bernardino, CA).

Our dad lived the Airman's Core Values to the end of his life: Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do.
He was a loving and faithful husband to our mom. A loyal and genuine friend, to all of those who knew him. A dedicated and dependable co-worker to all those who served with him, but to us kids, he was just dad.

On March the 8th, 1968, then-Ssgt. Charles McJunkin Jr. married Saturnina Villanueva, in Angeles City, of the province of Pampanga, in the Republic of the Philippines Islands. Mrs. Saturnina Villanueva McJunkin was originally from Manilla, Philippines. They had two sons, Paul Victor McJunkin, and John David McJunkin. SMSgt. (Ret.) Charles McJunkin was also the 6th child born, from a family of 7 children. His father, Charles McJunkin Sr. was a coalminer there in Pennington Gap, Virginia. His Mother, Rose Alice Gilbert McJunkin, was a homemaker.

His military decorations include the following: Meritorious Service Award, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 device, Good Conduct Medal with 4 devices, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 devices, Humanitarian Service Medal with 1 device, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 1 device, USAF NCO PME Graduate Award with 1 device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Award with 1 device, Republic Of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with 1 device, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was laid to rest on evening of March 05, 2009, at the Riverside National Cemetery, in Riverside, California, where he was buried with full military honors. The location of his grave, for those wishing to pay their respects, is as follows: Section 61, Stage 2, Site 2758.

To our dad, we offer these final words befitting his service: Rest well now dad, your work is now done. Your nation, your community, your family, and friends, are all grateful to you, for all that you have given of yourself, and for your service. So sleep now the rightful sleep of those who have truly earned it, and know that your sacrifice, for us all, will not have been in vain, or go unnoticed. For you have earned your keep, within the army of angels now. You have earned your place alongside those who came and went before you, who also fought the good fight. We who are left behind, to fill your boots, tearfully bid you, a fond farewell from this life, as we salute you. Hoorah! Outstanding! Job well done there, Senior Master Sergeant! Rest well now, you've long since earned it.

The Family & Friends
of
SMSgt. (Ret.) Charles McJunkin Jr.

I remember Sgt McJunkin from serving together with him on Okinawa. He was a good man and a good friend.