Though Charlie started school as an actor, he moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in stunts. In 1997, he decided to take a break from movies, and joined the Army at the age of 29. He graduated from basic training as the distinguished honor graduate and soldier of the cycle, and won his first medal before leaving basic. He proudly served with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea, and later as a member of the 3/187th Rakassans of the 101st Airborne Division(AASLT. After his tour was up, he returned and finished his B.F.A. in Theatre, at Texas Wesleyan University, before returning to the stunt community.