By Jonathan Kaupanger
DAV Life Member Charles "Chuck" Zimmer and his wife and caregiver Judy will be marking a significant milestone at this year’s National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic—their 52nd wedding anniversary. This special occasion is even more meaningful as they continue to focus on improving their quality of life through adaptive sports.
As a Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) in Vietnam, Chuck’s service placed him at the heart of combat operations. He was responsible for monitoring communications, coordinating air support and evacuations, and ensuring that personnel were accounted for—crucial duties that often carried life-or-death consequences. "Things got pretty hairy," Chuck recalled, especially during nighttime missions. He relied on a fellow soldier's shoulder as a guide through the dense jungles and dangerous rice paddies.
While navigating the physical and mental challenges of war, Chuck began to lose his eyesight.
"At first, I thought I’d just give it time," he said. But his vision only worsened, eventually becoming one of the lasting scars of his service. Compounding his health struggles, Chuck was exposed to Agent Orange throughout his deployment, unknowingly taking part in daily tasks that exposed him to the chemical’s long-term effects. “I drank water out of old bomb shell pits," he said. "They told us to put iodine tablets in and let it sit for a couple of hours.”
Now, years later, the impact of that exposure remains with him. Chuck faces an extensive list of presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange, including the possibility of needing oxygen support. Despite these challenges, he continues to push forward with the same resilience he showed as a young soldier in the jungle.
For Chuck and Judy, the golf clinic represents more than just an opportunity to engage in therapeutic, adaptive sports or bond with fellow veterans. It is a continuation of their journey together, blending recovery and love. Celebrating their anniversary at the clinic is even more special as their daughter Amy, a service-connected disabled Air Force veteran and DAV life member, joins them in Iowa for the first time.
On this occasion, the Zimmers will once again find joy, strength and healing on the golf course as they share yet another meaningful chapter in their life together.
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