Charles Vernon Bush

Charles Vernon Bush

(1939–2012)

A Remarkable Life of Service and Achievement

Introduction: Charles Vernon Bush, an accomplished American civil rights activist, retired corporate executive, and former U.S. Air Force officer, left an indelible mark on various fields during his lifetime. This is an overview of his life, encompassing his early years, education, military career, business endeavors, awards, and contributions.

Family, Early Years, and Education:

  • Born on December 17, 1939, Charles Vernon Bush was raised in the vicinity of Howard University’s campus. His father, Charles H. Bush, worked as an administrator at Howard University.
  • He attended Banneker Jr. High School and Capitol Page School, a specialized high school for Congressional and Supreme Court pages.
  • Charles Bush initially attended Howard University, majoring in Electrical Engineering, and became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
  • Later, he received an opportunity to reapply to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) with a nomination from Congressman William L. Dawson (D-IL).
  • In June 1959, he joined the USAFA Class of 1963, becoming one of the first three African-American Cadets at the academy.

Military Career:

  • Charles Bush excelled during his time at the USAFA, holding positions such as Squadron Commander, member of the USAFA Debate Team, and a member of the Wing Champion Rugby Team.
  • He participated in a special joint USAFA/Georgetown University Masters program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
  • Subsequently, he pursued a Master of Arts degree in International Relations at Georgetown University, becoming a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society.
  • Charles Bush’s military service began with an assignment as an Intelligence Officer at 8th Air Force Headquarters, where he specialized in Soviet political intelligence and also taught undergraduate political science courses.
  • In 1966, he volunteered for an intelligence unit in Vietnam, where he played a pivotal role in significant intelligence operations.
  • Charles Bush received honors and awards, including the Bronze Star and the Joint Services Commendation Medal, for his dedicated service in Vietnam.
  • Upon returning to the United States, he served at Headquarters Air Force Special Projects Production Facility, Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts, before resigning from the Air Force in 1970.

Business Career:

  • After leaving the Air Force, Charles Bush attended Harvard Business School, majoring in Finance and earning his MBA in 1972.
  • He embarked on a career in investment banking with White Weld & Co., dealing with corporate financing, mergers, and acquisitions.
  • Bush’s career continued with roles at Celanese Corporation and Max Factor, eventually becoming vice president at Max Factor, overseeing financial operations in 35 countries.
  • He later worked with ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Greenberg, Glusker, Fields, Claman & Machtinger, and various businesses in the cellular telephone and cable television network industries.
  • Charles Bush joined Hughes Electronics, where he held key positions in Business Development and Senior Vice President, Hughes International, focusing on market planning, research, and international operations.
  • He also ventured into entrepreneurship, including founding FONES4ALL, a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC), and participating in Traffic Station, Inc., an internet startup.

Awards and Organizations:

  • Charles Bush received several awards recognizing his contributions, including the Pathfinder Award from the USAFA African-American graduates and the Trailblazer Award from the Black Service Academy Graduates.
  • He actively participated in various organizations and boards, including Mutual Life Insurance Co., the American Montessori Society, and the Harvard Business School Alumni Association.
  • Charles Bush was a founding member of the Harvard Business School African-American Alumni Association, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and a member of the Century Club of Harvard Business School.
  • He also contributed to the Financial Executives International Diversity Task Force and served as a Guest Lecturer to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Papers and Publications:

  • Charles Bush co-authored papers on diversity in the Department of Defense and intelligence community.
  • He presented “Diversity is a Leadership Issue” at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 18th Annual National Character & Leadership Symposium in 2011.

Legacy and Passing:

  • Charles Vernon Bush passed away on November 5, 2012, at his Montana home, succumbing to colon cancer.
  • His legacy lives on through his achievements, contributions, and the impact he made in civil rights, the military, business, and academia.

Charles Vernon Bush’s life exemplifies dedication, leadership, and a commitment to breaking barriers, making him an inspirational figure in American history.