Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Levert.
Hi Charles, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a US Army veteran 1985-1993. I had positive influenced in my life that influenced me to serve God and country. I worked for the Cleveland VA Hospital for 5 years and currently working my 3oth year at Cleveland Clinic. Growing up the later part of my teenage years on welfare, I knew that is not how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. Therefore, I developed a heart to want to give back help others the best way I could. My father raised me in church and that is where I got my foundation for serving the Lord and my community.
Being a huge fan of science fiction and comics, I attended my first Wizard World, fandom and comic convention is 2015 in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. That is where I met Super Heroes To Kids In Ohio. I followed them and their mission to help children and families that are going through difficult adversities. I joined them in 2017 with the desire to turn my cosplay into “cause-play”. After a few years, I was ask to be a board member. After several years, I convinced my wife Debra, to join the organization. I found a way to use my superhero costumes to deliver youth and family messages at my church.
I also serve in the Comfort Care ministry at Elizabeth Baptist Church with my wife. We minister to the homeless men and woman in downtown Cleveland several times a year. Seeing the need, I’m currently working to include homeless youth.
I honestly don’t do this for recognition from anyone. I just want to take every opportunity to show the love of Jesus Christ through the activities I love doing. Hoping that The Lord is pleased with my efforts is the only recognition I desire.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There is always challenges. The reality is that there is never enough time in the day to doing all I want to do. I had to learn that I can’t pressure myself to do everything.
I ask the Lord what is His will for me everyday. I realize that it’s not meant for me to do all of what I want to do. I often miss the mark but I keep asking until I get an answer.
My job keeps me very busy as well. I work as a autotransfusion technician. I work many weekends helping with liver transplant and vascular surgeries.
Despite how I grew up, I’ve never been comfortable begging for anything expect a job. Now I ask for these things to help others. Where I expect to get a positive response, I get the opposite. Where I expect to get a negative response, I get the opposite. Funny how that works.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I enlisted in the Army right after high school in 1985. I severed as a Field Artillery Surveyor. I later changed to a Medical Supply Specialist. That’s how I was able to transition to the VA Hospital doing the same job in 1988. I came out of the military in 1993 after Desert Storm. I’ve work at Cleveland Clinic now for 30 years. I started in 1994 as Surgical Procession technician. There I cleaned, inspected, assembled, and sterilized surgery instruments and trays. I later took the opportunity to get closer to surgery as a Service Assistant for, Urology, Gynecology, Ear-Nose and Throat, and Plastic surgery. There, I continued maintaining service specialty instruments. I also set up rooms for surgery, operated laser machines, troubleshoot various operating machines, ordered specialty instruments and other supplies. I served as an extension to the nurses and surgeons making sure everything they needed worked adequately. I’m now a Autotransfusion Technician. During high expected blood loss surgeries, I collect blood and irrigation that is coming from the surgery field. I use a Cell Saver machine to separate the blood from the junk and wash the patients red blood cell for reinfusion.
Throughout my working years, I was trained to work with a sense of integrity. That is what I’m so proud of in doing with all the jobs I’ve had. To clock out knowing that I gave my best makes me feel proud of the jobs I had and those I do it with. The results have earned me getting leadership positions in the different areas I’ve worked.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the diversity the city of Cleveland has to offer. I was blessed to be able to travel while in the military. We are surrounded by so many cultures. I love to eat! Although the taste is somewhat different, I can find many of the foods from the different cultures I’ve experienced abroad, here in Cleveland.
What I like least about Cleveland is the lake and snow. I love tropical climates and clear blue water. Therefore, we try to take frequent trips to the coast and abroad.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.superheroestokidsinohio.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1DJPanther/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@superheroestokidsinohio8334
- Other: https://ebcfrancis.church/ministries/
