"Sabers" say goodbye to one of their own

By Sgt. Karl Williams, 3rd BCT PAO, 1st Cav. Div.August 2, 2010

FORT HOOD, Texas - Capt. Ivan Torres, commander for B Troop, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, addresses Family members and Soldiers at Fort Hood's 1st Cavalry Division's Memorial Chapel during the mem...
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HOOD, Texas - Capt. Ivan Torres, commander for B Troop, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, addresses Family members and Soldiers at Fort Hood's 1st Cavalry Division's Memorial Chapel during the mem... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT HOOD, Texas - A poster-sized photo of Pvt. Charles Paul King,  sits at the front of the 1st Cavalry Division's Memorial Chapel as Family members and Soldiers from 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division,...
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HOOD, Texas - A poster-sized photo of Pvt. Charles Paul King, sits at the front of the 1st Cavalry Division's Memorial Chapel as Family members and Soldiers from 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division,... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT HOOD, Texas - Family members and Soldiers from 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, gathered to mourn the loss of one of their own at the 1st Cavalry Division's Memorial Chapel, here, July 29.

"Saber" troopers remembered the life and friendship of Pvt. Charles Paul King, assigned with B Troop, 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt.

King joined the Army in 2005, and attended Cavalry Scout One Station Unit training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

In June 2007, King was assigned to C Troop, 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt.

"King's fellow Soldiers described him as a guy not only with a great sense of humor, but also as a loyal comrade and a team player," said Lt. Col. Cameron Cantlon, the squadron's commander.

Spc. Ronald Kendrick, from Clintwood, Va., a tank crewmember with G Troop, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, recalled his friend as "a sincere and genuine person.

"He always tried to help people, be nice to people, do the right thing and have a good set of morals and values. It's hard to accept. He enjoyed life and always made time for others in need. He will truly be missed," Kendrick said.

At the front of the chapel, a poster-sized photo of a King sat alongside a display of boots, a rifle, a helmet and dog tags.

"He brought laughter to the squad and a bright outlook on life," said Staff Sgt. Cedric Wilson, from Leesville, La., a lead scout with 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav.

"He was the type of guy that would make you want to get to know him. He would laugh and make jokes, but he made you feel as if his truest intentions were to be a friend. Being a friend... and to be there by your side no matter what," Wilson recounted.

King's military awards included the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

King is survived by his parents, Cynthia King and Paul King and by his brother, Christopher King.