Carlos “Charlie” Garza is a twenty year veteran of the Navy’s Submarine Service, as well as a public school administrator and teacher. He has dedicated his life to public service and has served with great distinction.

Charlie has an extensive academic resume including a B.S. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL a M.S. from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA as well as post graduate school at The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.  He distinguished himself by being selected to National Dean's List, the President’s List, the Dean’s List, National Who's Who among Student’s, Phi Theta Kappa, Texas Junior College Student Government Association President, Student Government President, Talent Roster of Outstanding Minority Students and as debate team President.

His 110 months of total operational submarine service spanned a timeframe that saw significant changes in mission requirements spawned by advances in technology and the threat. His duty assignments included serving as a personnel officer on two nuclear submarines, training officer, public affairs officer, Force Top Secret Control Officer, Casualty Assistant Calls Officer and executive assistant to the White House, members of Congress, several Admirals, and Chiefs of Staff. His operational assignments were served on board USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN 657)(GOLD); the commissioning crew of the USS TENNESSEE (SSBN 734); the USS GREENEVILLE (SSN 772); USS WILL ROGERS(SSBN 659)(GOLD); and the USS ULYSSES S. GRANT (SBN 631)(GOLD).

Charlie’s first shore assignment was with the Navy Recruiting District Albuquerque, NM, where he was selected as early bird forty two out of forty five months for recruiting excellence and Classifier of the Year. His other assignments were on the staffs of the Commander, Pacific Fleet Submarine Force; Commander, Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force; and Commander, Submarines Allied Command Atlantic. As training officer his efforts to increase efficiency and improve service saved taxpayers over $30 million.

Charlie was awarded numerous decorations that included the Navy and Marine Corps. Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps. Achievement Medal (six times honored), 54 letters of commendation, along with several other service and unit awards. His performance was recognized beyond his military career by being twice nominated to receive the National Hispanic Image Award.

Through it all, Commander John P. Sipes wrote, “I have known Charlie for over 29 years and have served with him at two different duty stations.  I can attest first-hand to this man’s strong moral character, personal integrity, dedication and good humor. He is a leader who always set the highest standards and set the example for others to emulate.”

Admiral Henry also noted, “Chief Garza possesses a disciplined mind, an unswerving loyalty to the Nation and the Navy and is Determined to Make a Difference. He has the professional competence to know what to do, a forthright manner to do it, and the dynamic leadership to inspire others.”

As a teacher he taught in all three levels of public education and his dedication and hard work were recognized by his selection to the National Who’s Who Among American Teachers (four times honored), recognized as the Best Student Role Model, and was awarded the Greater Peninsula Outstanding Youth Advocate. Additionally, he coached four Peninsula District debate championships, one Virginia High School League State Championship, a National Catholic Forensics League National Tournament, and several Tournaments of Champions.

While in Virginia he was twice selected to attend the National Hispanic Leadership Summit and selected by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) as 2001 Republican of the Year.  In the summer of 2002 he was nominated as U.S. Department of Homeland Security Undersecretary for Management by Senators J. Warner and G. Allen (VA); and Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA).

Since returning back to his home state of Texas he was once again selected and attended the National Hispanic Leadership Summit. Charlie serves as a Blue Gold Officer for the United States Naval Academy and recently asked to serve on the 16^th Congressional district for all service academies selections. Moreover he has served as a college administrator, high school/middle school teacher, as well as a High School and Elementary School Assistant Principal. He is currently an assistant principal in the Clint Independent School District where he serves at Desert Hills Elementary School.

I love my time in the Navy and I love serving my country.

Submarine Sailors first to get there and last to leave!