I wanted to share a bit about who our father was and why The Citadel held such deep significance for him.

Fred Klare graduated in 1968, where he studied modern languages and served with great pride as a member of the Summerall Guards. He credited The Citadel with laying the foundation for a life marked by service, discipline, and moral courage. That foundation carried him through two tours in Vietnam as a Military Intelligence Officer, a 21-year career in the United States Secret Service, and 18 additional years at the CIA, where he retired as a Senior Intelligence Service member.

While his professional accolades were many, it was his quiet, steadfast pride in being a Citadel graduate that truly defined him. After retiring to Daniel Island, he remained deeply engaged with the college - as a loyal season ticket holder, a regular at alumni events, and, most proudly, as a mentor to cadets. The Citadel wasn’t just part of his past; it remained a living institution in his life, continually shaping his values, friendships, and sense of purpose. That’s why including The Citadel in his estate documents was so meaningful to him.

I’ve linked his obituary here so that you might see the full arc of a life well lived, rooted in the traditions and teachings of The Citadel. It is our hope that this gift helps preserve those values for future generations and honors a man who lived them fully.

Kristy Klare, Daughter