Breiner, holding plaque
MONTICELLO – Charles “Charlie” Breiner arguably has done it all, with a share of life’s ‘downs,’ followed by a lot of ‘ups’. The Vietnam War vet, who moved to Sullivan County with his wife in 1974, suffered the rejection that many of his comrades felt a half-century ago.
He served, voluntarily, in the combat zones of Vietnam from 1967-68, losing friends amidst the carnage. On his return, he experienced that divide firsthand, when young hippies called him a “baby killer” in the middle of the Port Authority Bus Terminal on his way home.
The “middle act” of Breiner’s life focused on his inaugural days working at the Middletown State Hospital and his trip to the Grand Canyon while studying at Northern Arizona University, climaxing with his intense, life-changing experiences serving in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Current passions include railroads. He’s a member of the Ontario & Western Railway Historical Society and has a sizable library of historical books and artifacts in his home. Several of those tomes are his own, as Charlie has authored six books about the O&W Railway. And just a few steps off Charlie’s porch sits his renowned “garden railroad” – a miniature outdoor version of his beloved O&W and a popular local attraction.
Breiner, now 77, was given proper honor at the monthly Sullivan County Legislature meeting, with a Distinguished Citizen Award.
His friend, Legislator Mark McCarthy called it a worthy tribute.
“He’s a veteran, a historian. He’s an author. He’s an altruist. And in recognition of your enduring interest and investment in the history and the people of Sullivan County inspiring future generations to give as selflessly as you have, my friend,” McCarthy said.
Breiner is also very modest.
“Thank you all for this special honor. I’m kind of at a loss for words. I just want to say ‘thank you all’.”
Breiner is grateful simply to have experienced a memorable, rewarding life and career in the service of others. As his autobiography succinctly concludes, “When all is said and done, Charles and Iris have had a good life together.”
