MSG Higgins was born August 29, 1980 in Batavia, a son of Michael and the late Roxanne L. (Hale) Higgins.
He enlisted into the United States Army in July of 1999 as an Aviation Operations Specialist. He was stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska for 4 years serving in B Co 4th BN 123rd Aviation Regiment. MSG Higgins transitioned into the New York Army National Guard (NYARNG) in February of 2004, serving in the 827th Engineer Company until September of 2005. He transferred to the 152nd Engineer Company in September 2006, where he became a Construction Equipment Supervisor. He served in various assignments, ranging from squad leader to platoon sergeant / operations sergeant until transferring out of the unit in October 2016. His last assignment was as the operations sergeant for the 153rd Troop Command (Brigade).
He responded to numerous disasters within NYS during his time with the NYARNG to include Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Sandy, and the November 2014 Snow Storm to name a few. In addition, he was instrumental in the success of the 152nd Engineer Company throughout numerous difficult training events over his 10 years with the company, to include joint overseas events, which resulted in his Company being among the most highly trained in the state.
His achievements include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal x2, Army Achievement Medal x6, Army Good Conduct Medal x4, National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon x3, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Aviation Badge, Driver/Mechanics Badge, and NYS Humane Service to NYS Medal x3.
Apart from his service in the Army, Chuck enjoyed hunting, country music, dancing, singing terribly, chewing, and spending time with his family; especially wrestling with his kids. He was a great basketball and softball player. He was an avid Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan.
Surviving are his wife, Joani Higgins, children, Trista, Cameron, Doreace, Skylar, and Grayson; brothers, SGT Scott Higgins and Michael Higgins; sisters, Jeanette Higgins and Sabrina Higgins; an aunt, Jackie (David) Hale Beam; an uncle, Bob (Bonnie) Hale; his close cousin, Jack (Tammy Nani) Pangrazio. 1LT Erin Morris, a close family friend and companion also survives along with several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia. MSG Higgins’ Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, (July 1, 2017) at City Church, 210 East Main St., Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to establish a fund for Charles' Children's Education c/o Joani Higgins, 403 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020. Burial, with full military honors will be in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
