eNews
Volume 20 | July 23, 2021
Museum Foundation Pioneer Nears 100th Birthday
On 27 July 2021, Brigadier General (Retired) Charles V. Elia will turn 100 years old. BG Elia began his Army Veterinary Corps career in 1942 and served in a variety of positions around the world. His military career culminated as the 15th Veterinary Corps Chief from 1972-1976.

Of special note, his leadership and mentorship as a pioneer member of the Army Medical Department Museum Foundation were, and continue to be, invaluable. BG Elia served as one of the original members of the Museum Foundation Board from its incorporation in 1978. He became Treasurer of the Foundation in August of 1979 and in that role was a key player in the early fundraising campaigns of the late 1970s and 1980s. His vital and dedicated work as a member of the Foundation Board helped bring about the Museum groundbreaking in April 1988 and the Museum opening on 24 July 1989. BG Elia would continue to be a visionary supporter for additional phases of Museum expansion to include the installation of the hospital train car, other indoor and outdoor exhibit areas, outdoor amphitheater, and the Medal Of Honor Walk. 
BG Elia receives donation check from the Academy Of Health Sciences Commandant, BG Robert Bucker. The funds were raised in support of the new Museum through a Combat Medic Mini-Marathon.
Charles (Chuck) Elia was born in Marshall, Texas. He graduated from Marshall High School and attended the North Texas Agriculture College (now the University of Texas at Arlington). He graduated from Texas A&M with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1943. He attended the University of California, George Washington University and Johns Hopkins University graduating with a Master Degree in Public Health.

He was commissioned in the US Army in 1942 as a 2LT in the Medical Administration Corps and retired from the Army in 1976 as Chief, Veterinary Corps. His primary assignments included: Consultant to the Greek Army; Deputy Director of Public Health and Welfare, and Veterinary Consultant to US Civil Affairs, Ryukyu Islands; Commandant, US Army Medical Department Veterinary School; Chief, Army Veterinarian to the 4th, 5th and 6th Armies and Chief, Veterinary Corps, Office of The Surgeon General. He is a Distinguished Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Public Health and a recipient of the Surgeon’s General “A” Prefix.
Upon retirement Chuck held many positions with the City of Garden Ridge to include: Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission, the revitalization of Paul Davis Park, Chairman, Water Board, Garden Ridge Veterinarian, member of the mobile security force, revitalization of City Hall. Since retiring, he has remained extremely active in the San Antonio community working tirelessly to support his community, the Army Veterinary Corps, Army Medical Department, and the Uniformed Veterinary Medicine Association.

He enjoyed a yearly fishing vacation to Alaska for 50 years out of 51. He made yearly trips to South Dakota for pheasant hunting until the weather and pesticides intervened. He continues his many volunteer activities including the Army Medical Museum, Men’s Garden Club of San Antonio, Political Action Committees, the Lion’s Club and all things Aggie. He has been known to lose his voice while screaming support of his alma matter in front of the TV. He is looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday. Happy Birthday BG Elia!  
BG Elia assists other Vet Corps members to cut the cake at the 105th Birthday of the Veterinary Corps celebration.
Foundation Expands Social Media Reach
Your Foundation recently entered the realm of Facebook, Instagram and Linked In thereby greatly expanding its social media reach beyond the current webpage and eNewsletter. This presence on social media is key in fundraising campaigns as the Foundation expands its reach to new generations of potential donors and supporters. More about this effort in the next eNews edition.

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