After graduating from Roseville High School and Sierra College, Chuck joined the United States Navy as a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot. Chuck served in this role during the Vietnam War and eventually joined the Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer.  He learned to play the bagpipes in 1990 when he joined the 91st Division Band, US Army Reserve.  He later played with the 59th Army Band, California National Guard. He retired from the military in 2005. Chuck participated regularly with the California National Guard Veterans Honors Program, rendering military honors at veteran's funerals. Today, he still plays bagpipes for military funerals and patriotic events and is active in several groups that support troops and veterans.