Soldier Honored: Charles L. Adkins

2021-Charles L. Adkins
Dates: Died April 16, 2011
Hometown: Charksville, Tennessee
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant First Class

Sergeant First Class Charles Lewis Adkins, 36, was assigned to the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY.  While serving during Operation Enduring Freedom, SFC Adkins was killed April 16, 2011, at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an Afghan National Army soldier attacked him with multiple grenades. Also killed were Captain Charles E. Ridgley Jr., Staff Sergeant Cynthia R. Taylor, Sergeant Linda L. Pierre and Specialist Joseph B. Cemper.

A 1993 graduate of Margaretta High School in Castalia, OH, SFC Adkins joined the U.S. Army in November 1995. Stationed out of Fort Campbell, KY, SFC Adkins was deployed to Afghanistan in November 2010, his third overseas tour during his 16 years in the Army.  His two previous tours were in Iraq.  His recent mission was to train Afghan soldiers at a base in the eastern part of the country.  His career achievements include the Bronze Star Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, four Army Good Conduct Medals, two National Service Defense Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, four Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Path Finder Badge, the Combat Action Badge, and the Purple Heart.

SFC Adkins was known for his big, goofy smile and booming laugh.  He married his high school sweetheart, and they had five, beautiful children.  SFC Adkins’ son remembers that his dad tells the best jokes and was a great basketball player. He was also an avid Cleveland Browns fan.

One of SFC Adkins’ sons is a Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient.


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