Air Force Maj. Charles A. Ransom, 31, of Midlothian, Va.
Major Ransom was assigned to 83rd Network Operations Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.; died April 27, 2011 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from gunfire from an Afghan military trainee.
Major Ransom was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan who enjoyed working on his truck and tackling home improvement projects, and he was described as "truly an American airman" by Lt. Col. Eric Delange, commander of the 83rd Network Operations Squadron.
Col. Kevin Wooten, commander of the 67th Network Warfare Wing, said Ransom "had been a critical part of this wing's operations for several years and was a leader within the 83rd Network Operations Squadron."
Ransom graduated from Midlothian High School in 1997 where he played football and baseball.
He was also a 2001 graduate of Virginia Military Institute. A computer science major, he served as class vice president and was also a cadet corporal, platoon sergeant and Rat Challenge corporal, according to the college.
Ransom's program at VMI was a tough one, said George Piegari, professor emeritus, who taught him two upper-level classes. "He entered it, he stuck with it and he graduated. He was a very good student. You knew he was the guy who would get his assignments done."
Ransom's classmates, who called him Charlie, liked and respected him, the professor said. "When they elect him as their vice president, that tells you the admiration of his classmates."
Piegari remembers how they'd tease Ransom about his height. "Even when he was teased by his shortness of stature he would go right along," he said.
The college released this statement:
"During a speech to the class after Breakout in 1998, Charles promised he would be a fighter for all of us. That he was. Charles continued that fight for his country as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and died serving in harm's way on our behalf."
His commanders at Langley described Major Ransom as "truly an American airman" and "a critical part of this wing's operations for several years who was a leader within the 83rd Network Operations Squadron."
On graduation, Ransom was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force, and later promoted to captain.
VMI's Class of 2001 issued the following statement regarding Ransom’s death:
“The class of 2001 mourns the loss of our Brother Rat and Vice President, Charles Ransom. Charles will be remembered for his loyal support to his Brother Rats as well as his reliable friendship. During a speech to the class after Breakout in 1998, Charles promised he would be a fighter for all of us. That he was. Charles continued that fight for his country as an officer in the US Air Force and died serving in harm’s way on our behalf. The great love of our class swells for Charles and his family. You will be so greatly missed, Brother Rat.”
Major Ransom leaves behind his parents, Mary Sue and William.
Air Force Maj. Charles A. Ransom was killed in action on 4/27/11.
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