Editor’s Note: Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Charles H. Keating IV, died May 3, 2016 in Tall Usquf, Iraq, of combat related causes. He was assigned to Coronado’s SEAL Team One.
Big-Hearted Charlie Runs The Mile is based on a true story about a little boy who joins a track team and works hard to overcome his small size as he runs against boys who are much bigger. At first, he never wins a race. But Charlie doesn’t give up, and his hard work pays off. He becomes a champion on the track and later a true hero in real life as a U.S. Navy SEAL.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Krista Keating-Joseph is a Gold Star Mom and a track and field coach. Big-Hearted Charlie is a story about her son, Charles Keating IV, who grew up to become a competitive runner in college, and later, a heroic Navy SEAL.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Phyllis Holmes is Charlie’s grandmother. She is an award winning artist from Phoenix, Arizona.
Upcoming Event: Paddle Out for Charlie – May 7th, 2017
Related Story: Coronado Community Pays Tribute to Fallen Navy SEAL Charles Keating
Related Site: Charlie Humphrey Keating IV Foundation: ChuckHeavy.org