We have been doing some research on the Weaver grouping and we have this comment from his friend, Gary Reuter which he has allowed us to post here.
"I only knew Charlie for a short time. I was newly assigned to Ft Devans and Charlie had just been reassigned from Okinawa. My understanding was that he had been to Vietnam TDY and assigned to CCN. Our time together at Ft devans was spent ridding around in his car, listening to Johnny Cash and going to car shows in Boston. Charlie was easy going, non confrontational, and just a fun guy to be around. Neither of us really cared to be state side. I put in for Vietnam and received my orders within a week. Charlie big brothered me until I left to go home on leave. Once in country I was assigned to SFOB in Ban-Me-Thouit?? as a radio operator. A month or so later Charlie showed up and was assigned to one of our A-camps.
It's been 40 plus years but I'll never forget the call we got late one night. Charlie and I had spoken by radio shortly before and he was in good spirits having received a letter from home that day. His parents had just sold his car. Within an hour of our conversation I received an urgent request for a medivac. Before we could complete the request the urgent part was cancelled. It seem Charlie was making his rounds inspecting perimeter defense when he was mistakenly shot by an indigenous personnel. Everyone I knew that knew Charlie felt a terrible loss of a friend we all respected. I can't imagine the grief his parents must have felt. I'm 62 years old and not as idealistic as I was 42 years ago. At the time Vietnam to me was an adventure and a chance to participate in a real war. Time and reflection has changed that. Charlie and the thousands of young men who died in that conflict should not have. My own personal feeling is that Vietnam was unwarranted, dishonest and a real waste of good young lives. I know this feeling isn't shared by a lot of veterans who, even today, feel regret for not winning a war that shouldn't have been fought. I hope this is of some help."
Gary Reuter
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