SSG Charles J. "CJ" Liegel Jr., 28, of Belvidere, left this life tragically and unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 1, 2007.

A 1996 graduate of Belvidere High School, CJ volunteered for the Army Reserves upon graduation and attended Warren County Community College and Rutgers University. In 2001, he was transferred to active duty with the Army, deployed to Fort Eustis, Va., first as a Military Police Officer with the 367th Military Police Company as part of Operation Noble Eagle, followed by assignment as a Military Police Detective with the 2174th Military Police Detachment as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Most recently, CJ was serving in Norfolk, Va. as a Protective Services Agent for NATO, a job he loved and at which he excelled. His major awards and personal decorations included the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Commendation Medal.

CJ served as a teacher's aide and assistant cheerleading coach at Warren Hills High School and William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Va.

He touched all he met with his upbeat attitude, his sense of fun and adventure and, most memorably, his infectious smile.

He was a loving and devoted son, a best friend to his beloved sister, a caring grandson and nephew, a doting cousin and a great, dear friend.

He will be sorely missed in all his many roles.