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HIGH -- Charles M. High, IV, US Army Private, was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 defending the freedom of our country. Charles and his fellow Infantryman, PFC Benjamen Chisholm were killed when the vehicle they were in was struck by an IED, on a mission outside their base in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He was stationed out of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky and was part of the 101st Airborne Division. Born on May 19, 1989, he was 21 years old. Charlie, as his family called him, was on his second tour overseas, his first having been in Iraq in 2008. He was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. He attended Eldorado High School and was active in the orchestra, track team and JROTC. He also attended the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM. Charlie was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout, he loved camping and looked forward to the Pinewood Derby every year. He was an accomplished viola player and was a member of the Albuquerque Youth Orchestra. Above all else, Charlie loved to play the guitar, which he taught himself and played by ear. Charlie was recently engaged to Maggie Jo Simmonds of Mankato, Minnesota. Since the age of 14, Charlie's goal was to serve his country in some aspect and when he enlisted in the US Army in 2007, he achieved that goal. He loved his Army family so deeply, and he will be sorely missed by them all. Charlie made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and he is a Hero. Charlie is survived by his father, Charles M. High III; his step-mother Sheri High; and brother Jonathan; as well as his mother Kimberlea Johnston of New Minden, Illinois; and his siblings, Eddie, Amber, Cierra and Karlie Johnston; He is also survived by his grandparents, Charles M. High II and Arlene High of Gallup, NM; Charles and Deb Williams of Albuquerque; Jessie Williams of Albuquerque; Larry and Linda Reetz of Albuquerque; and his great-grandmother, Novella King of Bernalillo. Charlie also left behind many aunts, uncles and cousins. Charlie will be welcomed into Heaven by his Uncle Gregory High and his Great Aunt Patricia Kaplan, who loved Charlie with all their hearts. Charlie is a true American Hero. Flowers will be received by French Mortuary at 10500 Lomas Blvd NE. Memorial contributions can be made in Charlie's name to the Blue Star Mothers of America, RGV Chapter 2, P.O. Box 9176, Albuquerque, NM 87119-9176. Services will be held Saturday, August 28, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church 10000 Candelaria Rd NE. Interment will all take place on Monday, August 30, 2010, 1:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit French ~ Lomas Chapel on Thursday, August 26, and Friday August 27, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please visit our online guestbook for Charlie at: RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
        Published on: Mon August 30, 2010