Charles David Bender

Colonel Charles "Dave" Bender, USA (Ret.), age 77, passed away at his home in Edgewater, Maryland on Thursday, March 9, 2017. Dave was born December 25, 1939 to Charles V. Bender and Nina L. (Gotcher) Bender in Muncie, Indiana. He graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1958 and Cornell University in 1962. As Distinguished Military Graduate he received a regular Army Commission at graduation. He received a Master's Degree from Ball State University. David served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1989 as an airborne infantry and military intelligence officer. He was in the 101st Airborne Division, attended Command and General Staff College, assigned to US Army IG, was Commander of 104TH CEWI Battalion and J2 of US Forces Japan. When he retired, Dave was head of intelligence for the Defense Nuclear Agency. He was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (7), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/Palm, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star (2nd Award), Republic of Vietnam Honorary Jump Wings and Overseas Service Bars (4). After retiring from the United States Army, David worked for Stanford Research Institute, International, for almost 27 years. He was Director of Special Research and Development -- Intelligence Programs. David was a husband, father, friend and counselor to all who knew him. He and his wife, Lesley, were active in the community, German Shepherd Rescue, Cornell recruiting and sponsored numerous midshipmen at the US Naval Academy. David was a PADI Dive Master, had a commercial pilot’s license and was on the National Ski Patrol. He enjoyed golf and traveling the world with his family. Dave is survived by his wife, Lesley; daughter, Diana (Louis Sweeny) Bender, daughter Karen Wiley; step-son Dane (Jill) Glasgow; grandchildren Tieran Sweeny-Bender, Ashley and Anastasia Wiley and Thomas Glasgow. His funeral will be on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 9:00 AM at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, Virginia, with interment to follow at Arlington National Cemetery. There will be a reception afterward at the Fort Myer Officer's Club. Memorials may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation to Cure Pancreatic Cancer, 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797 or at www.lustgarten.org

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Charles David Bender

December 25, 1939 - March 9, 2017