A Soldier in an Air Force world, Dr. Charles “Doc” Merkel lost “quite a few pizzas” while maintaining his first loyalty to the Army. The West Point, Class of 1967, honorary graduate enjoyed a running bet with fellow 53rd Wing members when the cadets took on the other service schools in college football, and sometimes it cost him. “We’ve had a lot of fun with it,” said Merkel. “Having had a career in the Army, my first loyalty is the Army, and it’s cost me some pizzas but that’s alright. It’s been a great ride. It’s awesome being in a military unit, to have the camaraderie.” After a combined 49 years in active duty, contractor, and civil service, Merkel retired Aug. 30, in a ceremony at the Air Force Armament Museum here. He served as the 53rd Wing historian from 2007-2016.
“Duty, honor, country,” are the words he used to describe his career. “Those are the things instilled in me, and if I had to describe it in three words, it would probably be duty, honor, country.” History was always an interest of Merkel’s, and when he retired from the Army in 1987, he pursued a Master’s degree then PhD-level program. The opportunity to work as historian for the 53rd Wing allowed Merkel the chance to serve the military once more. “It’s been awesome to utilize some of the education I pursued in an environment like this,” said the historian, who deployed twice while with the wing. His dedication to preserving and documenting history at the 53rd Wing allowed current members to see the contributions of earlier generations in the service. “History is a continuous thread, it’s not a bunch of compartments,” he said. “We’re standing on the shoulders of the people who went before us.” Read More