Most members know Chuck Kilmer as a long time (37 year) AIAA member, past section secretary and current chair elect. However, very few people know what influenced Chuck to become an engineer or very much about his interests outside of his career and AIAA. His diverse background and years of experience make him a member you should know.

Chuck’s interest in space began in the 2nd grade. He went to the movies and watched Lloyd Bridges command a doomed mission to the moon. The movie was Rocketship X-M. Looking back, Chuck says why this movie appealed to him, "Why it inspired me at the time, I haven’t a clue. I guess it was the closing scene, the press is interviewing the chief engineer and they ask him, ‘What are you going to do now?’ He replies, with a look of grim determination on his face, ‘Tomorrow, we begin work on the XRM-2’ [the XRM-1 was destroyed in the movie]. All I could remember from that is that I really wanted to work on the XRM-2 also."

Chuck’s inspiration led him to pursue and receive a Bachelor of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering Degree from Ohio State University. He followed this degree with a Master of Science from Colorado State University.

Chuck’s career has spanned several jobs over the 33 years in the industry. His career has included teaching positions at Fullerton College and Chapman University. He has worked in the private sector for Mc Donnell Aircraft and Science Applications International Corp. Chuck also served his country in the US Air Force. While in the Air Force, he participated in high level architecture studies. These included the Space Systems Architecture Study and the Satellite Control Architecture Study. He also developed the AFSCN Master Plan.

One might expect that with his busy career, Chuck had little time for much else. Quite the contrary. Chuck and his wife, Dolores, have 3 children and one grandchild. While his children were still at home, Chuck was very involved as a Scoutmaster for his son’s troop and as the Little League President. As president of the Little League, Chuck was instrumental in starting the t-ball and girls softball programs.

It should be no surprise that Chuck’s other interests revolve around space. He is a member of the Planetary Society and is interested in SETI, space programs (past, present, and future), archeology, and reading science fiction.

Chuck is currently very active in the LA Section of AIAA, taking on more than the typical duties of chair elect. He is helping to fill the vacant position of Programs Vice Chair and plan the upcoming educational seminars. In his two years on the LA Executive Council, Chuck has become a vital part of keeping the section running. The next time you see Chuck, take the time to tell him "Job well done," and maybe share with him what brought you into this industry. Who knows, you may have a similar story to tell.