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Cindy Reed THE HISTORIAN'S SPOTLIGHT

F B I N A A . O R G | N O V / D E C 2 0 1 9

Chapter Member of Distinction

I was recently approached by Past National Academy President Doug Muldoon who told me of an article he wrote for the Florida Chapter about a member of distinction who had passed away in 1999 but whose legacy endures. I offered to publish this recap in the National Associate magazine. It occurred to me that each chapter can name one or more members who have made a difference in their history. It is my hope that there is someone in your chapter who is recording this chapter history for the future. If you would like to share that

story with the entire membership, I would be honored to include it in my next article. Pictures are always appreciated to make that person’s story “come alive”. Charles and Vita Snowden Scholarship History Submitted by Doug Muldoon 153rd Session Charles C. Snowden Sr. was a graduate of the 84th Session (11/5/1969) and was an active member of the Florida Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. During his career as a sworn officer, he was a captain for the Gainesville Police Department until his retirement in 1981. He later worked for Alachua County Sheriff's Office until 1996. Charlie was the Executive Secretary/ Treasurer for the Florida Chapter of the FBINAA starting in 1978. He was the back- bone of the Florida Chapter handling the day to day operations of the organization. He handled all the annual renewals for mem- bership which was done in conjunction with the Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami FBI Field Offices. All communications were handled by mail in those days. We tend to forget the extra work and how labor intensive this was in the current electronic communica- tions world we live in today. As an example, 1998 Florida President 2013 FBINAA President

they are the same colors as the University of Florida Gators. Apparently no coincidence that Charlie just happened to be a charter member and past president of both the Fightin' Gator Touchdown Club and the Gator Dugout Club. It appears he was able to com- bine two of his passions in one simple shirt that all the members of his chapter received. I can recall that after my graduation in June 1988 from the 153rd Session I received a phone call from Charlie. He heard I wanted to get involved with the Chapter. He must have spoken with the incoming 1989 Chapter President Dale Croy, Chief Investigator with the Leon County State Attorney’s Office, as I was appointed as the fourth Area Repre- sentative. Prior to this appointment there were only three Area Representatives, one for each FBI Field Office area. Because of this appointment, I was fortunate to get to know and work with Charlie. I think I often gave him grief asking questions about why we do things the way we do or how can we do things differently, but he patiently handled all my questions. In 1994 I was elected as 3rd Vice President for the Florida Chapter thanks to this mentorship by Charlie. During the annual Chapter Officers meeting held in early January 1998 at the FBI Academy, Charlie handed me an enve- lope stating that after 21 years of service,

Charles Snowden.

(L-R) Vita Snowden, Charles Snowden.

Charlie printed, folded and mailed out over 1000 envelopes to update each member, including the annual membership form and a newsletter from the incoming President and Charlie. Once the renewal was processed, he would then mail out the annual membership card from the Florida Chapter to each member. (Note from Doug: Does anyone still remember those days besides me?) Back in those days, a new member was also sent an official Florida FBINAA Chapter shirt which was Orange with Blue let- tering. For those of you who are not familiar with those colors,

he was going to “retire” as the Executive Secretary Treasurer. I was stunned before finishing reading the entire letter. The “retirement” was to take place December 31, 1998. I breathed a sigh of relief at least for my term, but I had the thought: What we would do without Charlie leading the Florida FBINAA??? It was an honor when Charlie recommended that I apply for the position of Executive Secretary Treasurer. I recall Charlie laugh- ing during my first conference as I made sure I had everything

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