Hilltop Happenings

LEARN MORE ABOUT SALISBURY GENTLEMAN CHARLIE NATION '65 AND HOW HE ACHIEVED HIS BOYHOOD DREAM

I Grew up in Staten Island and Hazlet, New Jersey. In 1957, I saw a movie called The Bridges of Toko Ri. It was about Navy pilots flying combat missions during the Korean War. After I saw that movie, I wanted to be a Navy pilot. In 1961, a Naval Academy football player won the Heisman Trophy. I decided then that since I had to be a naval officer to be a pilot, that I too would attend the Naval Academy. 

After completing two years of high school, my parents wanted me to continue my education at a private school (for various reasons), and so in 1963, I entered Salisbury School as a fourth former. Headmaster Landgon thought it best that I repeat sophomore year since Salisbury’s academics were more college-oriented than those at my local high school. Academics at Sarum were challenging, all my teachers were fantastic, hard-working, and inspirational. I played football, basketball (team co-captain senior year) and baseball (team captain senior year). After graduating in 1965, I entered the Naval Academy, and graduated from Annapolis in 1969. After graduation from Annapolis, I entered flight training, and in 1971, was designated a naval aviator, thus achieving my boyhood dream. I retired from the naval service in 1992.          

During my time on the Hilltop, I learned to work hard, be honest, and listen to my teachers and coaches. Carl Williams was a superb teacher and motivator. Having been a naval officer himself, he encouraged me the most to achieve my goals. Coach Rudd was a hoot; always had faith in my abilities as a ball player. Hopp Rudd took me fishing, and his wife tried so hard to help me read and write better. Mr Landgon had my back the entire time, and was thrilled (as were other faculty members) that I was accepted by the Naval Academy.  

My last visit to campus was in 2006 for my 40^th Reunion. I love Main Building and the Quad area. All of the expansion and new buildings are incredible.  

I was a naval aviator for 23 years. Most likely, I would not have been able to get into the Naval Academy without attending Salisbury. I have been retired since 1992 and have had several jobs, mostly in retail and sales. I am currently working part-time as a motorcycle safety instructor in Idaho. The Navy won’t let me fly jets anymore, so I ride motorcycles!  

I recently participated in a cross-country ride from California to Arlington, Virginia. The ride is called “Run For The Wall”, a very intense, inspirational journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (“The Wall”) in Washington, D.C. This journey is done annually in May, and includes almost 1000 riders.

The advice I'd like to share with current and future Knights is to dream big. Failure is okay, just don't give up!