Miami Lakes’ Veterans Day Parade committee announced the selection of Major Charles James to serve as the Grand Marshall fro the 33rd annual Veterans Day Parade scheduled for November 10. James is a native of Texas where he played both football and baseball in high school and attended college on a baseball scholarship.
After he received his B.S. degree in biology from Texas Southern University, he was sworn in as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He completed more than 20 years of military service which included two tours of duty in Vietnam where he served as a medical administrator.
In addition to serving in Vietnam, James served in several Army hospital during his military career. Following several promotions, James attained the rank of Major and ended his active duty career as a member of the Army Surgeon General’s office team at the Pentagon where it was his responsibility to answer Congressional inquiries for the White House, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Among other honors received while on active duty, James earned the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star. He has continued to support his country by serving as a JROTC instructor in the Miami-Dade Public Schools system for 20 years.
He also volunteered to serve on the Miami Lakes Cultural Affairs committee and is a board member of the Main Street Players. A part-time model and actor, James is married to the former Jacqueline Culver.