Albany County honors veteran for black history month

ALBANY (WRGB) – Albany County is recognizing and honoring Vietnam Veteran Charles Chandler for the month of February.

The recognition is part of Albany County's Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony - which they host once a month to honor a deceased veteran from the Capital Region.

Charles Chandler was born in Albany in 1948. He worked at the Albany Veterans Hospital when he was 20 years old. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He died in battle in 1969, trying to save a wounded fellow soldier. He's a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient.

"He did what he loved,” Albany County Executive Dan McCoy said. “He did what he was trained to do, and regardless of the risk of his life, went forward.”

“We humbly say thank you to an individual who at a very young age, entered the Army,” Congressman Paul Tonko said. “The loss is deep but I have to believe the pride is deeper, knowing he contributed in such a valiant way.”

Albany county leaders and local lawmakers presented Chandler’s family with several proclamations, they then flew a flag outside of the North Albany American Legion in Chandler's honor. It'll stay there for the month of February, which is also Black History Month. Chandler’s family told CBS6 this recognition was a huge surprise, and honor, for them.

“It’s huge that his name is circulating in the community that children can see the ultimate sacrifice, how important that is, and to put others above yourself and just commit to the people around you. It’ll make a huge difference,” Chandler’s niece Sherri Brooks said.

Chandler's family says he was known for his commitment to service - and that's a legacy they'll carry on.

“Many of us are dedicated to public service, it's a huge tradition, it's something that we value. Obviously, he gave the ultimate sacrifice, but I think there's a lot we can do every day just to make our society better,” Brooks said.