Charles Artaud Byrne, Chief Companion of the Raven, was educated at U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York, U.S.A. and graduated with a Master of Science (M.Sc.). His Military Career has seen him fight in the Korean War in 1951 for which he was decorated with the Bronze Star. He has also been decorated with the award of Navy Commendation Medal. He gained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the service of the U.S. Air Force and was decorated with the award of Air Medal. Charles also saw military action in the Korean War in 1969 to 1970 and was decorated with the award of Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.). Charles lives in Newport, Rhode Island, U.S.A. with his wife Sylvia. He has two sons, Myles and David and a daughter Leslie. He is the Author of ‘Ranelagh – The Irish Warlord’ and the sequel ‘Tomorrow’s Skies’ is due for release later in 2011.
Charles was Patron of Finte O’Broin from the establishment of the organisation until his death at the age of 96 in 2020.
USA
Phyllis Burke, CR. Phyllis is the highly acclaimed author of the novels Atomic Candy, Gender Shock and the memoir Family Values: Two Moms and Their Son. Phyllis is also known as a social activist particularly on issues related to the gay and lesbian movement not only in the United States but world wide.
Phyllis was granted Irish citizenship in 2003 and visited her mother’s ancestoral home in Salthill, Galway in the Summer of that year. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her partner Lynn and their son Jesse. Her Godfather, William Joseph Byrne Jr. of Massachusetts descended from the Byrnes of Co.Wicklow in Ireland.
Phyllis Burke CR
Phyllis was a member of the Executive from the establishment of the organisation in 2011 until 2020.