Charles Stewart Rodgers
Charles Stewart Rodgers
Years of Service:
8
Highest Rank:
O-3
Medals & Awards:
Career Highlights:
CAPTAIN CHARLES STEWART RODGERS
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron 5
Charles Stewart Rodgers was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. Securing a congressional appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, he entered as part of the Academy's inaugural graduating class. Assigned to Cadet Squadron 5, Rodgers was a standout student-athlete.
Standing 6'2" and weighing 200 lbs, Rodgers played Left End (LE) for the Air Force Falcons. He was a key contributor during the historic 1958 season, in which the team finished undefeated, earned the program's first major bowl invitation, and played TCU to a 0–0 tie in the 1959 Cotton Bowl Classic. Rodgers graduated and received his commission on June 3, 1959.
MILITARY SERVICE
Following graduation, Rodgers completed Pilot Training from 1959 to 1960 at Spence Air Base and Greenville Air Force Base. He subsequently served as an Air Force Navigator at Malmstrom Air Force Base from 1960 to 1961. From 1961 to 1963, Rodgers served as a Navigator and Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) with the 303rd Air Refueling Squadron at Kindley Air Force Base. He completed eight years of active service, reaching the rank of Captain (O-3).
POST-MILITARY CAREER
After transitioning to civilian life, Rodgers built a 46-year career across engineering, sales, and executive management:
• 1963–1972: Engineering and Marketing, 3M Co. During this period, he earned his MBA from the University of Minnesota (1972).
• 1972–1974: Vice President, RAAK Architectural Lighting (Santa Ana, CA).
• 1974–1977: Sales Representative, 3M Co. (Los Angeles, CA).
• 1977–2009: Vice President, Serigraphics/Displays (Los Angeles, CA), leading the company's displays division for 32 years until his retirement.
Charles Stewart Rodgers passed away on May 6, 2020.
EDUCATION
• B.S., United States Air Force Academy (1959)
• MBA, University of Minnesota (1972)
ATHLETICS
Varsity Football (Left End, 1958 Undefeated Team / 1959 Cotton Bowl), Baseball
SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
• 1959–1960: Pilot Training, Spence AB / Greenville AFB
• 1960–1961: Navigator, 406th Air Refueling Squadron, Malmstrom AFB
• 1961–1963: Navigator / EWO, 303rd Air Refueling Squadron, Kindley AFB
