Charles James Kirk was a humble Christian, father, son, husband, friend, and leader. He was a devout Christian, never afraid to speak the word of the gospel and spread the love of Jesus Christ to anyone who would listen. Some of his happiest moments were attending church with his young children, showing them the love Jesus Christ has for them.

For many, Charlie was their first exposure to conservative politics and grassroots activism. There are over 3,500 active Turning Point USA chapters at universities and high schools, reaching hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of students. Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA are a major reason my generation, and many more to come, are proud of the United States and celebrate our wonderful country. Through those chapters, students have gained more than anyone could have ever imagined. Jobs, internships, activism training, and friendships are just a few of those gains.

For me, Turning Point USA at LSU and Charlie Kirk have given me more than most people will ever know. The only reason I have worked at places like the Louisiana Senate and have met people like Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson is because of Turning Point and Charlie. Those connections will follow me forever. From our chapter alone, students have gained internships and jobs at The White House, The United States Senate, The United States House of Representatives, the Office of Governor Jeff Landry, the Office of Attorney General Liz Murrill, the Louisiana Legislature, and Turning Point USA.

Charlie Kirk will be remembered forever as a Christ-loving father of two whose life mission was to serve the lord and grow the conservative movement far beyond what anyone could have ever imagined.

May God bless his parents, his wife, his children, and the entire Turning Point USA family.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Ethan Vogin is a second-year law student at the LSU Law Center from Baton Rouge, LA and the Vice President of LSU’s Turning Point USA Chapter.