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<p><em>Charles Herbert “Chuck” Ockrassa</em> lived his entire life as it was modeled when he was cadet at West Point. He was an energetic, enthusiastic and helpful classmate. He was also an effective, disciplined and proficient Army officer. His final years were spent serving his community, church and the state of Texas as a volunteer servant-leader in numerous roles.</p>
<p>Chuck was a history nerd, especially regarding the American Revolution, the Civil War and all the aspects of battlefield maneuver. His penchant for fun infused all his activities at the Academy and throughout his tours in Germany and the United States. Not surprisingly, he contributed significantly to the Armor, Engineer and Command and General Staff schools. He was a major player in the development of Airland Battle Doctrine.</p>
<p>He was born to Paul and Marguerite (Woodruff) Ockrassa in St. Louis, MO and, along with his four siblings, joined the local Lutheran church, to which he devoted his entire life. He accepted Christ at an early age and lived his life in service to the Church. Chuck’s brother Don reflected on his competitive energy and near-memorization of their father’s history volumes on American wars. Together these Prussian boys put together several groups of toy soldiers and enacted theater-level campaigns in their parent’s basement.</p>
<p>At West Point, Chuck was involved with the Military Affairs Club, Chapel Choir, Officers’ Christian Fellowship, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Goat-Engineer football competitions. He had many dear friends and colleagues in these endeavors.</p>
<p>Along with 18 other B-2 “Bulldog” classmates, he was commissioned a second lieutenant (Armor) on June 2, 1976, the year of the United States Bicentennial. After attending the Armor basic and advanced courses at Fort Knox, KY, he commanded a company in Mannheim, Germany and served as plans officer in V Corps, where he met his wife Brigid Benya ’80. They returned to Fort Knox, where he was a cavalry instructor at the Armor School. After returning to Germany, Chuck commanded the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fulda. He subsequently deployed to Northern Iraq in support of Operation Provide Comfort.</p>
<p>Chuck also served at the Command and General Staff School and at the Engineer Center and School as chief of armor tactics until his retirement in 1997.</p>
<p>He served with Advancia Corporation for 20 years assisting with insights into the military procedures and processes, further developing Airland Battle Doctrine as an expert senior systems analyst and writer.</p>
<p>In retirement Chuck was an instigator and principal worker in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s activities, including Happy Old Guys Serving (HOGS), the Austin Disaster Relief Network, Kairos Prison Ministry, REVEAL Ministries, and Austin Food Bank. He was a beloved leader within the church. He was actively serving with HOGS when a fall eventuated his death at the church he loved.</p>
<p>Chuck has left behind three wonderful children: Jason, Theresa (Ward) and Eric (Chrissy), plus two grandsons: Logan and Felix.</p>
<p>Chuckers, known as Mr. Thermo to his classmates and Mr. “Nice Guy” to the plebes, added a touch of Prussian militarism to the company. A friend to all, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. </p>
<p><em>— B-2 “Bulldog” Companymates</em></p>
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