By John Montesano
The Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club has named Rosalio “Charlie” Aguirre, the March Veteran of the Month. Sadly, this honor is being conferred posthumously because Charlie passed February 24.
Charlie was born June 10, 1981 in Aurora; one of a family of eight children. The oldest of the children is Carlos, who was our November 2020 Veteran of the Month. It is with his memories that I relate Charlie’s story. The extended Aguirre family was and is a very large, close, family in Aurora. They would spend a great amount of time together. Charlie was a happy, playful person with a big sense of humor. He was well liked and kept things loose with his way, whether at home as a boy, at Army boot camp, or wherever he went. He was a knife collector and a break dancer, just not at the same time.
Following graduation from West Aurora High School in 1999, Charlie went to work at various places, mostly factory work. When his brother, Carlos, returned home from his Army service in 2005, he convinced Charlie to join the Army. He said that it would help his life and give it structure. Charlie enlisted in the Army in 2006. Following boot camp and training as a motor transport operator, he was sent to Ft. Bragg, N.C. with the 546th Transportation Company, a part of XVIII Airborne Corp. In 2007, he deployed to Iraq and Operation Iraqi Freedom; and in 2008 he deployed to Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom. While in Afghanistan, Charlie was driving a gun truck on a security detail when he was severely injured by an IED (improvised explosive device). He had to be medevaced to Germany. His injuries were extensive, involving his left elbow, shoulder, and back. After a long period of healing and rehabbing, he received a medical discharge.
During his service, Charlie was awarded: The Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, U.S. Army Service Medal, Army Overseas Service Medal, NATO Article 5 Active Endeavour Medal.
It was 2012 and Charlie returned home to Aurora and the support of the family. He was proud of his service and, in spite of the outcome had no regrets. His battle with his injuries, both physical and psychological was far from over; but he did the best he could. He didn’t complain and tried to keep his problems to himself. Large gatherings and loud noises continued to bother him. His sense of humor helped him cope, but often he needed pain killers to maintain a normal situation. To quote his obituary: “He was an amazing son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He enjoyed spending time with all his loved ones especially his nieces and nephews.
He leaves behind his mother, Marilu Ibarra; his father, Juan Ramon Aguirre; three brothers, four sisters, and 11 nieces and nephews.”
Charlie received a proper send off at the Riverside Cemetery in Montgomery with a large crowd of family and friends from eight states in attendance. He was given full military honors, including a gun salute, playing of taps, bagpipes, and a flag folding. Afterwards, the Aurora Mayor’s Office presented a proclamation which recognizes June 10, 2021 as Rosalio ”Charlie” Aguirre Day in honor of his 40th birthday, and his years of service to our country and our community.