Command Sergeant Major John Howard Eichler

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) John Howard Eichler "Jack", "Papa John" husband of Elaine Blanchard Eichler and loving father to daughter Carolyn Eichler Peery and son John Eichler and stepchildren Webb Layton, Leslie Shipp, Michael Layton and Sonny Reynolds sadly passed on to eternal rest on 16 November 2023. John was born in Waterville, New York in 1934 to the late John J. Eichler and Helen Cole. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent many summers with his cousins working on the dairy farm in Paris, New York. Another passion he had was training racehorses and aspired to become a jockey. However, nature intervened by adding height and weight that led him to being part of the training crew.
CSM Eichler was drafted in the US Army in 1953 and attended Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lewis, Washington and subsequently sent to Korea to support the War effort. He served in an array of Field Artillery positions from Basic Cannoneer Crew Member, Assistant Gunner, Howitzer Section Chief, Gunnery Sergeant, Chief of Firing Battery, Battery First Sergeant, Operations Sergeant, Sergeant Major, and finally Command Sergeant Major of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery, 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Baumholder, Germany. He was a natural born leader of soldiers that achieved promotions ahead of his peers throughout his military career. John served his nation in combat operations in both Korea and Vietnam Wars serving as a Howitzer Section Chief and Field Artillery Group First Sergeant. During his 23 years on active duty, he deployed all over the world to the countries of Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Germany.
CSM Eichler's Field Artillery professional military education includes the following: Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Advance Non-Commissioned Officer Course, First Sergeant Course and Sergeant Major Academy. Other courses were the Nuclear Weapons Assembly (8 Inch Howitzer) Course, Armor-Small Arms Course, Nuclear/Biological/Chemical Course, Vehicle Maintenance Management Course, and over 300 hours of Correspondence Courses. Most of these correspondence courses were focused on Infantry and Armor branches of the Army. He wanted to understand all aspects of the combined arms team to better train and advise his senior officers and NCOs. He always lived the NCO Creed " No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers."
CSM Eichler's military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Good Conduct Medal (6th AWD), National Defense Service Medal (1OLC), Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nation Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/DVC 60, Presidential and Meritorious Unit Commendations, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm and Expert Badge (Rifle, Artillery).
CSM Eichler retired from the U.S. Army in May 1976 after completing 23 years of active service. After military retirement he went to work for the US Post office and retired after 17 years. He continued to serve his community by helping build handicap ramps with St. Matthews Church. He was involved with the STARS (Seniors that are Retired) and Knights of Columbus.
CSM Eichler became a Shriner in Heidelberg, Germany. After arriving back in Charlotte, he joined the Red Fez Club serving numerous positions most notably as Club Treasurer and President. Other Shrine endeavors included the Buccaneers, the Potentate Guard, the Ragtops and the Past Captains Club. He was also chairman of the Paper Crusade for seven years and gained Emeritus status. He was awarded the Lifetime Membership Award. The greatest accomplishment was receiving the Walt Disney Award.
CSM Eichler is survived by his wife Elaine Blanchard Eichler of Charlotte, North Carolina, his two children Carolyn Eichler Peery (Campbell) and Colonel John F. Eichler, US Army Retired (Laura). His two sisters are Ann Lomas from Tacoma, WA. and Carolyn Peeler (Gordy) of Salisbury, N.C. He has four stepchildren Webb Layton (Susan), Leslie Shipp, Michael Layton (Julie) and Sonny Reynolds. His three grandchildren are Carolyn Frances Peery, Mary Grace Taliaferro (Stephen) and Major Elizabeth Frances Eichler, USMC, with two great grandchildren Mathew and Noah Taliaferro. His step grandchildren are Sarabeth, Christopher, Bryan, Jordan, and Forrest. He was preceded in death by his first wife Yoshiko Fukuda Eichler, his father John J. Eichler, his mother Helen Cole, his stepmother Alice Eichler, and his sisters Jean Smith and Joan Richards.
CSM Eichler enjoyed life traveling and visiting friends and family. He was not a person to sit idle and loved being involved in Shriner activities. He was a member of Jester Court 109 in Charlotte and enjoyed their trips as well as outings for the Oasis Shriners. His take charge attitude and organizational skills kept him busy during retirement life. He lived the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage in both military and civilian life. Other words to describe John. leader, intelligent, common sense, caring, extrovert, responsible, organizer, meticulous, dedicated enabled all who knew him to seek his assistance and guidance. A man that truly loved life will be missed. "Old soldiers never die they just fade away."
A service to celebrate his life will be held at Sharon Presbyterian Church, 5201 Sharon Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28210 on November 28, 2023. Receiving 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM. Service at 2:30 PM in the church. Gravesite at 3:30 PM with Catholic Rites of Committal, Masonic Rites, and Full Military Honors. Reception to follow in fellowship hall.
Memorial can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Oasis Shriners, 604 Doug Mayes Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. 28262 or
Sharon Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund.