Charles “Chuck” Vehlow, Class of 1964. Upon graduation in June 1968, Chuck Vehlow was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Engineer branch. Chuck went to Vietnam following graduation from a one year course in helicopter training. There he joined the 101st Airborne Division as a pilot. During his one-year combat tour, Chuck served as a platoon leader and operations officer of his helicopter troop. He was highly decorated; ten medals including the Silver Star (where he took action to save the life of another helicopter pilot), three Distinguished Flying Crosses and a Bronze Star. In June 1975, Captain Vehlow entered a two-year graduate program, earning his Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. In August 1978, Chuck reported for duty in South Korea as the Executive Officer of the 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, stationed near the Demilitarized Zone with North Korea (one of the highest threat areas in the world). Returning to West Point in June 1979, as an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanics, Mr. Vehlow earned his Master in Business Administration from Long Island University (1980). He served at West Point until June 1982, when he transferred to the US Army Reserve after 14 years of active duty service. It was then that Chuck began his business career where he held top-level executive positions. His first position was as Director of the Aerospace Group of Dynamics Research Corporation of Andover, Massachusetts. Over the next ten years, he moved though various positions, increasing his responsibilities each time. In 2000, he entered a new business (medical devices) when he was hired as COO of Power Interventions of New Hope, Pennsylvania. He returned to the defense industry in 2002, when Metal Storm Limited hired him initially as its Chief Corporate Officer. Just one year later, he was promoted to CEO. In early 2005, Chuck resigned from Metal Storm to pursue interests in aviation consulting, teaching and flight instruction. While serving in the corporate world, Chuck continued his military service. Colonel Vehlow retired in 1997 after 26 years of service. Throughout his career Mr. Vehlow distinguished himself as a military officer and corporate executive for over 36 years.