Charles Wilson, in Memoriam

Former United States Representative Charles Wilson (Democrat, Texas) died at the age of 76. He was known for his efforts to gain American aid for the Afghan resistance during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Wilson was successful in securing the aid during the Administration of President Ronald Reagan, especially the critically important shoulder-fired Stinger missiles that helped the Afghan Mujaheddin down many a Soviet helicopter. The Soviets' loss in Afghanistan contributed to their defeat in the Cold War. Wilson served in Congress from 1973-1997.