Charles Eugene Rogers of Little Rock, AR, served the nation for 23 years. He first enlisted in the Marines, becoming a machine gunner from 1954 to 1957. Following this, he served an additional 20 years in the Army, where he earned two Bronze Star Medals for valor and heroism, the Purple Heart Medal for combat, the Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and four Army Commendation Medals. He also held the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Parachutist Badge.

He completed two full combat tours in Vietnam in 1966 and 1968 as an Infantry Staff Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant, receiving recognition for his heroism and ground combat on January 2, 1966. His final assignment before retirement was as First Sergeant at Headquarters and Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Second Infantry, First Infantry Division, where Major General Calvert Benedict personally commended him for his initiative, aggressiveness, and professionalism.