Local News - June 2003

July 4 program to feature decorated airman from Lincoln

Published June 6, 2003

By ALICE SMITH, LTN Staff Writer

A Lincolnton native currently serving in the U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon will speak during the annual July 4 celebration.

Major Charles “Ched” Beam, who graduated from Lincolnton High School in 1985, received his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from The Citadel in 1989. There, he was a distinguished Air Force ROTC graduate.

Beam earned a master of science degree in civil engineering from N.C. State University in 1999, a master of air mobility degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 2002, and a master of arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in 2003.

His professional military education includes Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and the College of Naval Command and Staff.

His assignments have included Navigator Training at Mather AFB, Pope AFB, Ramstein AB in Germany, Fort Dix and Naval Station Newport.

Beam is a highly decorated senior navigator with more than 3,200 flying hours. He was promoted to his current rank on March 1, 2001.

Beam is married to the former Samantha Gunter of Lincolnton, and they have two children, Henderson and Sarah.

July 4 committee members are pleased to have a “hometown boy” as this year’s featured speaker, said Madeline Elmore, parade chairwoman.

“I think it’s going to be real good,” she said.

The program — including the National Anthem, announcement of parade winners and Beam’s speech — should start around 9:15 p.m. and run about 20 to 25 minutes.

After the program, an $8,000 fireworks display will culminate the festivities.

Parade entries will be judged for prizes in Most Creative, Best Family and Best Overall categories.

The winner of the Best Overall category will get a free weekend at Hilton Head or a mountain location, Elmore said.

Children’s activities will again take place on the courtsquare. This year, the Little Bloo Choo will be there to take kids and adults on rides around the square.

Kids can compete in marble shooting, bubble blowing, hula hooping and hopscotch contests, as well as have their faces painted.

Elmore said the children’s activities are one of the most popular parts of the celebration.

“I come down to the courthouse an hour before things start, and they’re sitting there waiting,” she said.

In the event of rain, the fireworks display will take place July 5.

The July 4 celebration is a joint effort by the city and county. Each government contributed $6,000 for this year’s event.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

Terms and Conditions