Carlos "Charlie" Garza comes from a background of extreme poverty. The core
values that define him are a solid work ethic, dedication, perseverance, and service to his country.
Charlie's life journey began in Harlingen, Texas, where he was the youngest of nineteen children, including half-brothers and half-sisters. At the age of seven, Charlie's father lost his life to leukemia; and the family was forced to turn to migrant farm working as a means of economic survival.
Charlie is a proud Harlingen High School graduate, earned a nomination from U.S. Senator John Tower to the U.S. Naval Academy, but opted instead to enlist and become a member of the elite submarine community where he accumulated 110 months of Total Operational Submarine Service. His major assignments included USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, Navy Recruiting Command, and the Commissioning Crew of USS TENNESSEE and the USS GREENEVILLE.
Additionally, Charlie served on both the staff of The Commander (Submarine Force Pacific Fleet) and The Commander (Submarine Force Atlantic Fleet). He earned fifty-four letters of commendation, six Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and the Navy Commendation Medal. As the SUBPAC training officer he instituted a program that saved the Navy 30 million dollars over a three year period. His most arduous collateral duty assignment was as a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer where he served as the liaison for the Secretary of the Navy when a member of the Navy suffers death in the service of our country.
Charlie's collegiate career included many accolades including President, Student Government Association; President, Texas Junior College Texas Student Government Association; and President of the Debate Team. He also distinguished himself by earning recognition to the Dean's List, The National Dean's List, and the National Who's Who Among Students.
Garza earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, and completed all but his thesis at Eastern Connecticut State University, earned a Masters Degree from Old Dominion University, worked on his doctoral degree at George Washington University, and completed his course work for his superintendence at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). He is currently a doctoral student at UTEP.
Throughout his career, Charlie has been dedicated to public service and giving back to his community. His service has been honored with a nomination as the U.S. Undersecretary of Homeland Security (Management), National Congressional Committee Republican of the Year, and the National Hispanic Image Award (twice). He attended the National Hispanic Leadership Summit four times and was nominated for the Golden Rule Award.
Since his retirement from the military, Charlie has dedicated his life to improving education for children. He was selected four times to the National Who's Who Among Teachers (four times), Youth Advocate of the Year, Best Student Role Model, and coach of the Virginia High School League Debate State Champions.
Presently in his seventh year as an assistant principal in the Clint Independent School District, Charlie's goal is to provide the same opportunities he was provided as a child, so all children will be given the opportunity to succeed. |