Charles J. Shacochis Jr.

Tomb Position

Sentinel

Tomb Relief

2nd

Highest Military Rank

SP4

Tomb Dates

Feb 1965 - Feb 1967

Military Dates

Feb 1964 - Feb 1967

Society Membership

Lifetime Member

Home City / State

Baltimore, MD

Current City / State

Eldersburg, MD

Tomb Reflections

Sergeant First Class Allen Eldredge selected me to become a sentinel. I was assigned to the 2nd relief and Richie Azzaro trained me. My first RC was Staff Sergeant Bob Short. The other 2 RCs were Bill Spates and Morris Moore. There were many changes to these names but the mission and dedication remained constant. I last walked the mat on 8FEB67 and was discharged from active duty the following day.

Awards & Decorations

Tomb Guard Badge
Good Conduct

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The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.

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Learn More

Did you know?

Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?

The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.

The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.

Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.

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