ARTIST. PILOT. ADVENTURER.

{ OnTheScene }

Chuck Neubert

‘Maverick’

Artist, Pilot, Adventurer

Local Veteran Shares how his journey shapes his art

Story By Rebecca Harrison

Photos by Rebecca Harrison and courtesy Chuck Neubert

Growing up in east Texas with a military family, Chuck “Maverick” Neubert’s respect for service was paramount.

“I knew from the time I was little I’d be in the army,” he said.

His young life was spent in the Boy Scouts and then as he got older, he earned his Eagle Scout rank. He learned all he could about the world and the creatures in it. Neubert’s love of the arts was often coupled with animals, even back then.

“I used to sketch my horse’s ears in charcoal while I was out riding,” he said, thinking of his childhood. Neubert’s formative years certainly fostered his sense of adventure and desire to get out and see the world.

Those desires intensified during his service in the military. Neubert enlisted in the Army, and made his way through Texas A&M University. He then was told he was a poor fit for the infantry. Undaunted, the blow landed him in flight school, a pipeline to piloting Huey helicopters for the 9th Infantry Division.

Painting the nose cones of the aircraft kept his creative spark alive. He even brought a leatherworking kit with him on tour and used his free time to make holsters for his fellow officers.

Neubert recalled getting shot, getting shot at and getting shot down about 60 times during the course of his service.Yet, in all the harrowing experiences, Neubert was unphased.

“I was never afraid. My grandmother, a Cherokee woman, told me I was coming home,” he laughed. “ …And you did what grandma said.”

From 1968 to 1975, he served three tours in Vietnam — two as an enlisted officer and one as a civilian.

His experiences there gave him a unique outlook that follows him to this day. From delivering babies in helicopters to scanning for uranium from the air, Neubert looks forward to each new learning experience with fervor.

When he retired from the military, Neubert hardly skipped a beat. His drive and creative spirit pushed him to do more. Following his service in the military, he owned a casino company and made his own branded tables. He also ventured into marine vessel life, and became a SCUBA instructor. Neubert even became a balloon twister and artist. He found and filled as many roles as he could to keep himself learning.

“I get bored! I need to keep my hands on something,” he said.

His most recent endeavor includes opening a survival training school where he teaches all ages to make use of what you find and what you have, and how to survive in emergency situations.

As if he didn’t quite have enough to do, Neubert continues drawing, painting and creating. In all his creative pursuits, he’s mostly known for his roses — subjects that he beautifully articulates into his paintings. Birds and florals are often paired together in his work, peacefully serene in their compositions.

“I like painting. It relaxes me,” Neubert said.

His work often denotes a sense of calm when viewed. The colors and subjects offer a shared feeling of relaxation with the viewer. This is even true of his work that touches on his history in the military. Pen and ink drawings of his helicopters sit stately and poised in his portfolio. Photography of national and local services honoring the fallen and the up-and-coming soldiers add a special lens to view these occurrences through.

These are only magnified by his involvement in the Honor Guard at Fort Sam Houston, and the VFW in New Braunfels, as well as the Seguin Art League. Neubert wastes no opportunity to honor his country and his fellow veterans.

His most recent work, a photograph of LeAllen Buerger — a Seguin High School alumnus who recently graduated from West Point — is a prime example.

“It’s not about me,” Neubert said. “It’s about him and what he’s achieved.”

The photograph along with other veteran-made artwork is on display in the Seguin Art League throughout November in honor of veterans and first responders.

This, like so much about Neubert, speaks to the indomitable spirit of those who have served this country. Humble in their achievements, eager to share their knowledge and proud of where they live.

After all is said and done, Neubert is the first to tell you “If I died tomorrow, I’m happy. It’s been a completely full life.”

One he is obviously making plans to make even more full. If anything is gleaned from the example that Neubert offers it’s this: Be true to yourself, learn a new thing each day, and fight for what you love. If these poignantly simple lessons can be followed, then life surely can be an adventure like Neubert’s.