Ransom ’01 Killed in Afghanistan Maj. Charles A. Ransom ’01, USAF, died on April 27, things from him, to include how to be a better leader. 2011, while on duty in Afghanistan. He was 31. In addition to being a high caliber officer, Charles was As a trainer assisting the Afghan National Security a good person. He put others first always and was the Forces, he was one of eight American NATO Intertype of person to give you the shirt off his back if you national Security Assistance Force service members needed it. I am honored to have worked with and known who died as a result of enemy Charles.” gunfire at the headquarters During his four years at building of an Afghan air VMI, Ransom, a computer force compound in Kabul. science major, served on the Holding the rank of captain General Committee as vice when he died, Ransom was president of the class of 2001. posthumously promoted to He was also a cadet corporal, major on May 3, 2011. platoon sergeant and Rat Secretary of the Air Force Challenge corporal. In addiMichael Donley approved the tion, he worked as a library posthumous promotion of assistant during his third, Ransom, whose home base second and first class years. was the 83rd Network OpOn graduation, he commiserations Squadron at Langley Then-Cadet Charles Ransom, front row, center, sioned as a second lieutenant was the class of 2001 vice president. He will be Air Force Base, Virginia. in the Air Force. At the time of his death, remembered for his loyal support of his Brother The class of 2001 issued the Rats and his reliable friendship. Ransom had been selected following statement regardfor major by the Central ing Ransom’s death: “The Selection Board and was class of 2001 mourns qualified for appointthe loss of our Brother ment. “The secretary of Rat and vice president, the Air Force approving Charles Ransom. Charles Maj. Ransom’s promowill be remembered for tion is very fitting,” said his loyal support to his Maj. May King, the InteBrother Rats, as well as grated Network Operahis reliable friendship. tions and Security Center During a speech to the East flight commander. class after Breakout in “Last year, Charles was 1998, Charles promised selected by senior leaders he would be a fighter for for promotion to major all of us. He was. Charles based on his record of continued that fight for performance. Prior to his country as an officer the decrease in monthly in the U.S. Air Force and promotion increments, died serving in harm’s Charles would have been way on our behalf. The Maj. Ransom sent the above photo to his friend and Brother promoted to major some great love of our class Rat, Alex Tedla, shortly before he was killed in action. swells for Charles and time ago. I am very happy his family. You will be so that [Secretary Donley] greatly missed, Brother Rat.” honored the selection and promoted him.” Ransom is survived by his father, Willie D. Ransom; King called Ransom an officer from whom he could mother, Marysue Ransom; brother, Stephen (Vanessa); learn and the kind of person who was always willing to girlfriend and partner, Naquita Bassfield; five uncles; help others. “The saying is that you learn something seven aunts; a large extended family; and countless from everyone, good or bad,” King said. “Working with friends. Charles for the past three years, I’ve only learned good
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