A group poses on May 12 at Yeaman Athletics to honor Charles Bilbrey, Jr., who gave his life while serving our country in Iraq in 2007. (Provided Photo)
SPC Charles E. Bilbrey, Jr., a Tioga County soldier who lost his life in 2007 while on a volunteer mission in Iraq, was honored and remembered on May 12 at Yeaman Athletics located at 103 Southside Dr. in Owego.
Owego Police Department officer Thomas Woodburn came up with the idea to honor his childhood friend, Charlie, and along with about 20 people gathered at the athletic club to work out in memory of Bilbrey. Charlie’s parents, Barbara and Charles, Sr. stopped by the gym at the end of the session to be part of the special occasion.
SPC Bilbrey was deployed to Iraq in January of 2007 with the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment where he had survived two vehicle bombings during the first three months of his tour.
SPC Bilbrey was known to volunteer for extra missions even on his days off. For one such mission on July 26, 2007, he was involved in securing a roadway in the village of Saqlawiyah, Iraq, when he and two other soldiers were killed when an explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Bilbrey was 21.
On the far left, Joey Yaman, owner of Yeaman Athletics located at 103 Southside Dr. in Owego, works with clients at a special workout session on May 12 honoring Charles Bilbrey, Jr. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
Last year, Senator Fred Akshar inducted Bilbrey into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in Albany, which honors veterans who have distinguished themselves in both their military and community service.
For Woodburn, he holds onto many fond memories of his good friend, including playing football with Bilbrey at Owego Free Academy, along with lacrosse and other activities.
Woodburn shared that Charlie opted to take up track instead of lacrosse in the spring of his final year of high school in order to escalate his fitness level for the U.S. Army. Bilbrey and Woodburn graduated in 2005.
During the workout, Woodburn sported Bilbrey’s #86 Owego Free Academy football jersey, a number that has since been retired.
Woodburn remarked how Bilbrey was a positive influence in his life, and one particular aspect, he said, “I remember his intensity.”
At the gym, owner Joey Yaman helped showcase that intensity by getting creative with the special numbers associated with Bilbrey, such as 86 for his jersey, and numbers five and ten, which refer to his birth date. The numbers were then attached to the number of repetitions for various elements of the workout session.
Owego Police Department officer Thomas Woodburn, and wearing a number 86 jersey in honor of his friend, Charles Bilbrey, Jr., works at lifting weights at Yeaman Athletics on May 12. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
Unfortunately, the wet weather put a damper on what would have been the finale’ of the session, which was to have gym participants run from Yeaman Athletics to the Modern Day War Memorial located within the Owego Courthouse square, and where Bilbrey’s name is inscribed on the monument.
The half-mile stretch would have further amplified the meaning of the workout session, but Woodburn said he would look into holding the event again next year.
Woodburn wants to ensure that Charlie’s story, as well as stories of others are not forgotten, and to reiterate that the community is thankful to Charlie for his sacrifice and also to remember the sacrifice of his family.
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