Charles Howard Meier

LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHARLES HOWARD MEIER, JR.
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Charles "Charlie" Howard Meier, Jr., born on September 16, 1934, in Hempstead, New York, was the son of Charles Howard Meier and Millicent (Driscoll) Meier. Raised in Lynbrook, New York, he earned a congressional appointment to join the inaugural class of the United States Air Force Academy. Known to his classmates by the nickname "Cro" and recognized as a natural adventurer, Charles actively participated in the cadet wing during the Academy's pioneering years at Lowry Air Force Base and its move to the permanent Colorado Springs campus. During his time as a cadet in Cadet Squadron 10, he competed on the Academy's wrestling team. He graduated on June 3, 1959, as a member of USAFA’s historic first graduating class.

MILITARY SERVICE & SPECIALTIES

Following commissioning, Lt. Colonel Meier initially served as a Personnel Officer with the 15th Troop Carrier Squadron at Donaldson Air Force Base before entering pilot training at Moore Air Base and Williams Air Force Base. Upon receiving his wings in 1961, he flew as a pilot with the 18th Air Transport Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base.

In 1965, Meier transitioned to weather reconnaissance as an Aircraft Commander for the 55th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at McClellan Air Force Base. He was subsequently selected for post-graduate education at Syracuse University, earning a Master of Science in Chemistry.

Returning to operational flying during the Vietnam War, he served as an Aircraft Commander with the 17th Special Operations Squadron at Phan Rang Air Base, South Vietnam, from 1969 to 1970. For his combat service and aerial leadership in South Vietnam, he was decorated with two Distinguished Flying Crosses and nine Air Medals.

Following his combat tour, Lt Col Meier joined the faculty at the United States Air Force Academy. Between 1971 and 1982, he served in multiple academic roles within the Chemistry Department, including Instructor, Assistant Professor, Director of Intro Courses, Tenured Associate Professor, and Deputy Head of the Department of Chemistry. Over his 27 years of military service, his decorations included two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Meritorious Service Medals, nine Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

CIVILIAN CAREER & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Meier worked as a systems engineer for Computer Sciences Corporation in Colorado Springs from 1983 to 1985. He then entered public service, serving as an El Paso County Commissioner from 1985 through 1989. Seeking to assist individuals who could not afford legal representation, he pursued post-graduate studies at the University of Denver College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor between 1990 and 1992. Admitted to the Colorado Bar in 1993, he practiced as an Attorney and Counselor at Law in Fountain and Colorado Springs.

PERSONAL LIFE, FAMILY, & HOBBIES

Meier was married to his wife, Elisabeth, for 63 years. Outside of his professional life, he was a lifelong apiculturist (beekeeper), farmer, agriculturist, and dog lover, and he enjoyed timeshare traveling.

Charles passed away on May 10, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the age of 87. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Charles Meier III and Robert Meier III. He is survived by his wife, Elisabeth; his three children, Roger, Katrina, and Louis; his sister, Joan Mason; his brother, Louis Meier III; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on May 31, 2022, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, with burial at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery.

EDUCATION

B.S., United States Air Force Academy (Class of 1959)
M.S. in Chemistry, Syracuse University (1967–1969)
J.D., University of Denver Law School (1990–1992)

MEDALS & AWARDS

Distinguished Flying Cross (2)
Meritorious Service Medal (2)
Air Medal (9)
Air Force Commendation Medal (1)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Duty / Position Location / Unit
1959–1960 Personnel Officer 15th Troop Carrier Squadron, Donaldson AFB, SC
1960–1961 Pilot Training Student Moore AB, TX / Williams AFB, AZ
1961–1965 Pilot 18th Air Transport Squadron, McGuire AFB, NJ
1965–1966 Aircraft Commander 55th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, McClellan AFB, CA
1967–1969 Post-Graduate Student Syracuse University, NY
1969–1970 Aircraft Commander 17th Special Operations Squadron, Phan Rang AB, South Vietnam
1971–1982 Instructor / Assistant Professor / Director of Intro Courses / Tenured Associate Professor / Deputy Department Head Department of Chemistry, United States Air Force Academy, CO