Charles Wells

Charlie had many a career including soldier, police officer and investigator for the Attorney General. He lived his life in service to others through his careers, involvement in his community and his church. His military ways shaped him as a father; but the result was quality kids. Of course, as a grandfather he softened up quite a bit: sometimes more of a father, sometimes their Uber and sometimes their coach. Ever present on the sidelines, he was there helping out: he might not have known a lot about their sports in the beginning but by the end he knew as much as anyone. He was the founder of the VFW Post 10886 and probably its most dedicated member. Commander Wells was a steadfast supporter of Kingsway: he was a familiar face at the Annual Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Programs, a mentor to students through the annual Patriot Pen Contest, and a passionate advocate for youth development. Charlie loved to eat. The hotter the food, the better: his head would sweat and he pushed through a meal. Always ice cream for dessert. He was often seen around Swedesboro walking his pit bulls; he especially loved training them though they were known to only obey Charlie. In his music tastes he was an old soul, partial to the music a generation before him, especially jazz. He cheered for the Eagles and the Phils; opening day found him taking his whole family. Charlie couldn’t sit still in retirement and spent the last years as a driver for THG Transport. He was born in California (military brat), raised in Philadelphia and lived in Swedesboro where he was honored this year as Christmas Parade Marshall.
A pretty girl named Patricia Keith was working in an office when Charlie swaggered in to see his friend. The two would hit it off (mainly because of his cool looking boots) and they’d embark on a 39-year marriage. He is survived by his children, Stephen Keith and Kim (David Haines) Aureli; grandchildren, Leah, Ellablair, Landon, Levi and Conner and siblings, Pat Wells, Robert Wells, Judy Wetzel, Dennis Wells and Vicky Wells.
Come celebrate 79 great years Friday January 24th, 10:30 to noon at Hope Christian Fellowship 246 King Street, Woodbury where there will be a noon service. Interment Gloucester County Veteran’s Cemetery, Williamstown. Donations in lieu of flowers to VFW Post 10886, 118 Gentry Drive, Woolwich NJ 08085 will be appreciated.

Charlie’s many accomplishments:

Charles Wells has been a member of the VFW since 1991. He became a “Life Member-At-Large” in 2004, and a member of Harrison/Woolwich VFW Post 10886, District 13, Gloucester County, New Jersey, in April of 2014. Charles became the Commander of Post 10886 in April of 2015. He is the current NJ District 13 Chaplain (2019 to present) and served as the VFW Department of New Jersey State Chaplain (2021 – 2023)
Charles joined the United States Army in February 1965 as a Communication Specialist with the Army Security Agency (ASA). During his service with ASA, Charles was stationed at Clark AFB, Philippines and Tan Son Nhut AFB, Vietnam. Charles left the Army in January 1968 and re-enlisted in the Army Reserve in September 1977.
From 1977 to 1992, Charles served with the 304th Civil Affairs Group located in Northeast Philadelphia. During that period, he served as the Communications NCOIC, Law and Public Safety NCOIC, and the HHD First Sergeant. In 1990, the unit was activated and served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During Desert Storm, Charles serviced as the NCOIC of Khobar Towers, a housing complex near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and King Abdulaziz Air Base; that housed approximately 44,000 US Troops.
From September 1992 to August of 1998, Charles served with the 404th Civil Affairs BN (FID/UW) (ABN) located first in Trenton, New Jersey, and then Fort Dix, New Jersey. While with the 404th, he served as the Detachment Sergeant of “Charlie and Alpha” Detachments. During this time frame, he was deployed to Germany, Albania and Italy with members of 10th Special Force Group (ABN) and the Air Forces’ 52ndMedical Group (MDSS), Spangdahlem Air Force Base, Germany.
From August of 1998 thru July of 2001, Charles was assigned to a 3rd Bn CA/5th Bde, 98th Division (IT) a Civil Affairs Training Unit (John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School, Fort Bragg, NC) in Edison, New Jersey, as a Senior Instructor Course Writer. In July, 2001, he was promoted to First Sergeant and assigned to 2/309th TSB at Fort Dix. Charles retired from the Army in October, 2005.
Charles’ Military wards, include, among others, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service medal, the Army Commendation Medal with 2 OL, the Army Achievement Medal, w/11 OL, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, w/ 2 bronze stars, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Kuwait Medal for the liberation of Kuwait
Charles was employed by the State of New Jersey from 1984 to 2011. He was assigned to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement as an Agent/Investigator (1984/1993) and the Division of Criminal Justice as a Police Detective (1993/2011). Charles retired from the State of New Jersey with 27 years of service in November 2011.
Charles is currently a member of the Swedesboro/Woolwich Joint Environmental Commission.