Welcome to my website, Part-Time-Commander.com. I appreciate you stopping by.
My name is Charles Holmes. My friends call me Chuck. I hope you will do the same thing. I am the webmaster and publisher of this website. I also own one other very successful blog in the home business niche. By day, I am full-time, professional blogger. I also sell stuff on eBay. I work from home in my pajamas with my wife and love it.
I was born in the mid-west, but grew up in small town Maine. I grew up hunting, fishing, wrestling, snowmobiling, spending time with my friends and family, and enjoying the quiet life that Maine had to offer. I had a wonderful childhood and was blessed to have amazing parents.
I enlisted in the Army on my 18th birthday, in June 1995, right after graduating from Skowhegan Area High School. During high school, I knew I would join the military. To be honest with you, I didn’t have lots of other options, or any real type of game-plan.
I figured the Army would give me the opportunity to travel the world, educate myself, get some real-life experience and discipline, and have some fun. Boy did it ever!
After high school, I went to college for one semester at the University of Southern Maine. When the semester finished, I shipped off for Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
I graduated Basic Training and completed my AIT (71L: Admin Specialist) in early 1996 and then returned home to Maine. After spending a few months in Maine, as a Reservist, I decided to switch from the Army Reserve to the Active Duty Army.
My first assignment was with the Old Guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry, where I got plenty of awesome experience doing ceremonies in Arlington National Cemetery, and in the greater Washington D.C. area. After spending 2+ years in the Old Guard I decided to pursue the Army’s Green to Gold Program.
I attended the Clarkson University R.O.T.C. Program and graduated from SUNY Potsdam, in upstate New York. My college experience is a bit of a blur. I partied pretty hard and wasn’t focused on my academics. I wasn’t the best Cadet (I was VERY rough around the edges), but I did earn my commission. I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps in May 2000.
After completing my Quartermaster Officer Basic Course at Fort Lee, VA, I shipped off to Fort Carson, Colorado and had the honor of serving in the 64th Forward Support Battalion (part of 4th Infantry Division).
While in that unit I served as Platoon Leader (two different platoons) and Battalion S4. I also deployed to Iraq in support of OIF1. While at Fort Carson, I earned my Master’s Degree in Management from Troy State University.
It was during my time at Fort Carson that I was fortunate enough to find a mentor. His name was Gus Perna. He is now a retired 4-Star Army General. He was my Battalion Commander at the time. He taught me how to be a winner, leader, and warrior. He awakened the Inner Giant that had been dormant inside of me. I am eternally grateful for his mentorship. Who knows where I would be today had we not crossed paths.
After returning home from Iraq in September 2003, I resigned my commission in hopes of saving my marriage (we ended up divorcing). I have no regrets getting out of the military and trying to save my marriage.
I spent about 18-months in the IRR and realized I missed serving my country. Since going back on Active Duty was not an option for me at that time, I decided to join the Maryland Army National Guard in May 2005.
My time in the Maryland Army National Guard was a great experience. I served in several different positions such as Company XO, Shop Officer, G4 Plans Officer, SSA Accountable Officer, Fuel Officer, Company Commander, Regimental S4 and Regimental S3 Officer.
I moved up through the ranks quickly from 1LT to MAJ in about five years. While serving in the Maryland Army National Guard, I spent approximately 17-months on a deployment to Kosovo (Operation Enduring Freedom).
I resigned from the Maryland Army National Guard and transitioned to the IRR in 2011. I spent one year in the IRR before resigning my commission officially. I’ve been a full-time civilian ever since, and I’m loving it.
Now, I know what you’re thinking right now. Why didn’t I stay in and finish my time and retire with a pension? People ask me that question all the time so I figured I’d take a moment and answer it.
I resigned my commission for personal reasons. You can read my reasons here. To be quite frank with you, I had a promising career ahead of me, but my heart was no longer in it. I loved my country (and still do), but I wasn’t happy with the way the military and government were heading.
Please note that I got promoted to Major at minimum time in grade and had top block OERs. I don’t say this to brag. I just want to clarify that I was never passed over for promotion or forced out. I was a damn good officer and took great pride in everything I did.
I am now a happy entrepreneur. As a civilian, I am an author, blogger, network marketer, and treasure hunter. Most of my time I spend mentoring and growing my team of nearly 190,000 people.
I have NO boss, no commute, and I get to work in my pajamas every day. Not bad compared to staff work! I’m by no means rich (I’m working on that), but I call my own shots and live life on my own terms. I’m definitely living the laptop lifestyle. Best of all, my wife does this with me. She doesn’t need a job either. We are truly blessed to work from home and own our lives.
I must tell you that the satisfaction I get from mentoring people through this website is 100 times more satisfaction than I had while wearing the uniform. I can do things on a grander scale now, say what I want, and help thousands of people at the same time. It’s the best of both worlds. Plus, I have no boss (other than my wife, LOL)!
Here are a few other things about me that you might find interesting.
- I am 45-years young (as of FEB 2023).
- I grew up in small town Skowhegan, Maine and have loving parents.
- I am a Red personality, with a touch of blue and green.
- I am competitive and focused.
- I enjoy going to yard sales, flea markets, and thrift stores with my wife.
- I’m the author of approximately 20 books and numerous audio training programs.
- I have a Master’s Degree in Management.
- I am a Certified Small Business Coach.
- I’ve been a selling on eBay for about 18 years; you can check out my eBay store here.
- I own two websites that I update frequently.
- I spent just over 15-years in the Army and Army National Guard; resigning as an Army Major.
- Combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Kosovo).
- I enjoy reading, treasure hunting, writing, and watching funny movies.
- I live in Homosassa, FL with my wife Rachel.
- I am a NIGHT OWL, never call me before 10 a.m. in the morning (LOL).
I would like to personally thank you for your service to our great country and I hope you find the information on my website helpful. If you have questions or need to get in touch with me, my best email is mrchuckholmes@gmail.com. Have a wonderful day. Hooah!
I have read alot of your posts absolutely love it! I retired from COARNG 2018 (I’m 44 now) as a MSG 91Z. I initially started Active Duty in the Navy (2 deployments OSW) then went to the ARNG while in Guam 77W/92W later. Deployed OIF 07-08 and did two years Active Army as an OCT ( ADOS support OEF). Returned to Guard. I read your bio and everything which I never read before and it was awesome. When I retired I was ready! I see some commonality in your statements however I gave it my all and did my best to mentor, lead and pass knowledge down to my Sodiers. Since E6 I was spending more time off Drill to prepare for drill. As an senior NCO you just can’t simply do everything in a weekend. So a lot of time during the Month working. I have used your site part time commander to put things into more perspective state weather it be going through DTMS, TB, ADLP and ADP . You have been invaluable with the topics you have posted really on point. Keep up what your doing…..this really helps especially if your not active if you don’t use it you lose it or become really rusty lol. Active can also learn from your site. In closing your awesome and thanks for what you do and your service! HOOAH!!
Chuck,
Interesting site you have, as well as your story. I “accidentally” happened upon it whilst searching for some JOPES info ( I am (WAS) an 88N, who just retired a few months ago, after 25 total (15 Active/10 USAR), and needed some “refreshing” on some terms and usages of the system. The name of the site caught my eye and I had to check it out. Just finished your “about me” and the “8 reasons”. Man, you and I both. The only reason I stuck around was my specific command, with me wanting to help out the SMs who had to deal with it and it’s “issues”. I had to show them that there was better than this. Got caught up in the last 4 years with a TOD with an active unit, which gave me more room to help, and also more people to help since this unit brings hundreds of RC personnel on orders every year…anyway…like you said, another story, so….glad to see you still keep the site up, and still serve, in a different capacity. Good luck!
Thanks for the kind words, Dave. You definitely brightened my day.
Good Day Sir (Chuck),
I recently read your listed reasons for resigning your commission after fifteen years good service. I must say that I believe you covered most of the reasons officers or NCOs consider “getting out” of any of the uniformed services prior to being qualified for a retirement. A few of your reasons resonated with me more than others, but all are worthy considerations.
I also never liked the “good ol’ boy” system. That being said, the “system” also exists in the civilian world. But civilian “good ol boys” (other than law enforcement type “good ol’ boys) do not generally have the life or death impact that can be found in the armed services.
In one manner, I was lucky. After about 13 years of service, including about 12 commissioned years with two (2) one-year tours in Vietnam, I received my pink slip thanking me for 13 years service. “Wait a moment”, I said. “What are my options”? I was told I could re-enlist at my highest held enlisted grade. I did so as an E-5.
I spent an additional 18 years in service (PAARNG), attained the rank of 1SG, and retired as a CPT, which was the highest commissioned grade I ever held. During my service I received the following: CIB, SR Paratrooper Badge, BS w/V, PH w/2d OLC (I was a slow learner), AM w/#3 (I think), Vietnamese SR Paratrooper Badge, VCR w/8 campaigns, Royal Lao SR Paratrooper Badge, and a host of other been there/ done that awards. But NOTHING was as rewarding as working with troops.
Since my retirement I have joined the South Carolina State Guard (an unpaid military force directed by the SC TAG with the SC Govenor as our Commander and Chief) as a CPT. I am still a CPT. Over all, I have had quite a career and could probably write a book. I ALSO LEARNED A LOT. 1. Don’t ask a question if you don’t want to hear the answer. 2. Listen to you NCOs. 3. Pick your battles – and maintain your standards. 4. Lies must be remembered, one does not have to remember the truth.
Opps. I have more to say but the boss calls. We will celebrate our 46 anniversary next year and I have come to know that I owe her more than I can ever return! Thank you for your time and consideration. Have a great Holiday Season.
VR,
Normand E Thomas
CPT (Ret), AUS
Thank you for your service Captain.
We here a PT Commander wish both you and THE BOSS a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.