Charles Clayton Mitts

SSG CHARLES CLAYTON MITTS passed away at 8:56 pm Wednesday evening due to injuries received during a Blackhawk helicopter crash on January 12, 2009.Charlie is survived by his very loving wife Kristi as well as his children, Caitlyn, age 16, Andrew, age 14 and Catherine, age 5. Following the services, Charlie will be buried at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Charlie led two professional lives and excelled at both. As a soldier, Charlie started his military career in June of 1986 as a Calvary Scout and later became a Blackhawk crewchief. During that time he served in two wars and received several honors and distinctions. Some, but certainly not all, of the awards he earned were the Air Medal, Army Achievement medal (3rd award), Iraq Campaign Medal and Aircraft Crewman Badge. And during his latest tour, Charlie was selected to be one of the personal crewmembers for General Petraeus who was the Commanding General, Multi-National Force Iraq (MNF-I). Other significant events which Charlie was a part of; the Space Shuttle Discovery recovery, relief efforts for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike and numerous other natural disasters. Charlie was also a Police Officer, and had a long and illustrious career in that profession. He started off as a Police Officer in Harker Heights, TX. During that time, among other things, he worked undercover vice and was a member of the SWAT unit. After September 11, 2009, Charlie applied and was accepted into the Federal Air Marshals. While employed by them, he worked several assignments to include Counter Terrorism as part of a joint venture between the Federal Air Marshalls and the FBI. During Charlie's time as an agent, he was one of the first task force agents to ever receive the Robert Mueller Directors award for excellence. And as if that were not enough for any one person, Charlie was also active in several police professional organizations and was instrumental in developing a working relationship between these groups. SSG and Agent Charles Mitts led a very full life that touched many. His personality was infectious and there was never any question about his dedication to duty or his honor. Charlie will not only be missed by his family but also by the thousands of people who respected him and called him friend. America, and the world, has lost a true professional and hero. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six until nine o'clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 21st of January with a Rosary service scheduled to begin at eight o'clock in the Morrow Chapel at The Settegast Kopf Co. at Sugar Creek. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at twelve o'clock noon on Thursday, the 22nd of January at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Drive, with Rev. Charles J. Samperi, celebrant. Interment with full military honors to follow immediately at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veteran's Memorial Drive. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being set up in Charles' name. Contact The Settegast Kopf Co. at Sugar Creek for further information which will be available after Tuesday, the 20th of January, 2009.