Charlie,
To early for you to leave this earth and your family and friends. May God hold you in His loving palm for all eternity. I remain, Semper Fidelis, Dan McGee LtCol USMC (Ret)

Charlie was my faculty advisor at Comm Officer School 18 years ago. An awesome mentor, leader, and communicator who I feel very fortunate to have crossed paths with over the years. Prayers to Kathy and the family, he is missed. Semper Fidelis.

A true gentleman, a great leader and a good friend. Charlie, I will miss the fine example of a man and Marine you emulate as well as your fellowship. God bless you and your family, you are already missed.

I just heard this awful news. I've known Charlie since 2002 when we met on Okinawa and I'd become very good friends with this great Marine, father and husband. He is gone way too early and will be greatly missed by the USMC community and his dear family. May he rest in peace and our heartfelt prayers are extended to his wonderful family. God Bless him and his family. Semper Fi.

Colonel Charles Dowling....... words cannot explain the impact that you had In the 1st Marine Division G6 let alone the impact you had as a
communications officer across the Marine Corps. You ate, slept, drank, and bled Marine. You were the epitome of what it meant to be a great Marine Officer, husband, brother, Son, father and Grandfather. You definitely were one of the best commissioned officers, leader, mentor, and father figure that I have ever met while serving in country and in garrison. I was always hopping that I would get the chance to work under your charge as a SNCO one day. My heart and prayers go out to your wife Kathy, your family, friends, and fellow Marines. You may
be gone but your legacy still remains and you will NEVER be
forgotten. 

-Sgt G-

Colonel Dowling was such an inspiration!  From the way he worked out, to the way he performed as a Commo and Marine....  To his love of family and his love of Kathy and the kids... To the way he chewed my ass and the way he saw the future and vision of the future value of C4 systems on the future battlefield... He will forever be a man I remember, admire, and love!  His loss was a crushing blow to me, a remberance to always do the right thing and balance the love of our Corps and the love of family.  A fine balance, but one Charlie managed with presumed ease!!!  We will all miss you sir

Charlie was a great Marine. We went to TBS together, Delta Company '91. I want to offer my deepest condolences.

Sleep steady sir. SEMPER FI

I only knew him for a short time while at III MEF in 2003, but then Maj Dowling showed a lot of patience for a Gunny coming off recruiting duty. He helped me understand a lot about MEF communications in a very short time. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Semper Fidelis and RIP, Sir.

Sir,

  I only knew you for a short while and never had too many lengthy conversations with you, so alas I did not know you well. BUT what I DO know is that you have always been a solid leader. From these countless tributes to what your Marines have always told me about you and from what little I already knew you were a true inspiration to us all!! I still read some of your excerpts that reside within the 1st Marine Division G6 building and look at them as guiding stones along my own path to do the best and be the best I can be, and to train my Marines like you trained yours. Fair winds and following seas, Semper Fidelis, and Rest in Piece. I will be praying for your Family and all the countless lives you touched. Rest Peacefully Colonel!

He was my platoon commander at Quantico, Comm Officer School. He was a Captain then and right after he took over I had some health issues and ended up at Bethesda. He came and visited me and made sure I was getting proper treatment. He wanted to know who had to go and talk to, to make sure it would happen. It was much more than just a command visit to a sick Marine, he cared about his Marines. RIP Sir.

Colonel Charles Dowling is and was a true patriot. His mentorship and comradery will be missed, but never forgotten. Among many places, his legacy will be preserved in the professionalism of Marines who had the privilege to be led by him. My prayers go out to the Dowling family.

Col Dowling will be remembered as a great man for many reasons....for me, it was his genuine concern for his Marines and their family. Now, my thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends...RIP Sir.

Colonel Dowling..... Thank You for being a Mentor, The Boss, and most of all a Friend. You gave me the knowledge and confidence to do the job you hired me for. I am forever Grateful!
Kathy, Shannon, and Charlie our hearts and prayers are with you!

Semper Fi Sir, you will never be forgotten!!

Thank you Charlie for being such an amazing friend and Marine. You've been an inspiration to so many who needed it and to those who just wanted it! I will miss you. Fair winds and following seas my friend.

Thank you sir, for all of your wisdom, mentorship, and friendship for the past sixteen years. I will never forget all that you have taught me and the guidance that you have given me. You will be sorely missed.

Semper Fidelis.

Praying for peace for your family, your Marine Corps family and for your friends! Thanks for your service and all that your family contributed to the Marine Corps!