Charles A. Ransom

Capt. Charles A. Ransom, age 31, of Midlothian, Virginia, died on April 27, 2011, at the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan. 

A financially distressed 50-year-old Afghani pilot opened fire at Kabul airport after an argument, killing seven other U.S. troops and an American civilian contractor. Ahmad Gul, the shooter, was killed in the incident.

Charles was assigned to the 83rd Network Operations Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. He was a trainer assisting the Afghan National Security Forces.

Angels of God, pray
for Charles

During his four years at VMI, Charles Ransom, a computer science major, served on the General Committee as vice president of the Class of 2001. He was also a cadet corporal, platoon sergeant, and Rat Challenge corporal. In addition, he worked as a library assistant during his 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Class years. On graduation, he commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. He was selected for promotion to the rank of major at the time of his death.

The Class of 2001 issued the following statement regarding Charles' 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.”

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Charles A. Ransom is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.