A computer science graduate of the University of North Texas, Carlen realized early that life inside of an office would not be ideal for his adventurous and outgoing personality. He joined the Marine Corps during his final year of college to experience the world. From his early days as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1985 to his 2005 retirement from active duty and up to his last 5 years as a high school teacher, Carlen illustrates in vivid detail what it means to live out his faith daily.
Whether in his competitive career as an All-Natural Professional bodybuilder, speaking to a group of teens about abstinence, living “clean,” dealing with his own daughters, a simple trip to the grocery store or even enduring the rigors of combat, the theme always echoes, “what is God up to?” “How can I see God in this situation?” An avid songwriter, speaker, fitness trainer, and teacher, his varied background makes his personal insight into all matters seem authoritative and from his viewpoint, indeed it is.
Carlen Charleston LtCol Carlen Charleston retired from the U.S. Marine Corps on September 1, 2005. During his 20 years of service, he realized that much of what he accomplished during that period was a result of his strong Christian upbringing and it was key in sustaining him through the rigors of combat duty in Iraq as well as the ins and outs of ordinary daily living.