What was it like growing up with your brother Billy?

Actually, growing up, Billy was never into sports. He got into karate when he was 11 and was the captain of the karate team that was supposed to go to Moscow in 1980 but [the Olympic Games were] boycotted by the U.S. Once he achieved that goal, I knew he was going places.

And he’s done pretty well since.

He’s a seven-time karate champion, and I don’t think he’s lost a tae kwon do match in 10 years.

Being in a family with 15 kids had to be fun, but how did you manage financially?

We didn’t get expensive clothing, I can tell you that. Actually, Dad held down two jobs, and he also owned a rubbish truck. On the weekends from 8 a.m. until 6 or 7 p.m. we would ride on the truck and earn extra money picking up our neighbors rubbish in Erie (Pennsylvania).

What is your most treasured possession?

A picture of my mom and dad with all of the kids in it. My oldest sister died, so you could never get all of us together again.

What do you do with your spare time?

I like to be in the gym. Before I came to Japan, I did all-natural bodybuilding.

How did you fare?

In 2004 and 2005, I won my division in the All-Military Bodybuilding Championships, and in 2004, I took third place in the master’s division of the All-Natural Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas. I also like to throw darts and sing karaoke.

Oh, so you’re pretty good at the bar Olympics too. Are you a teetotaler?

I drink a beer occasionally, but I don’t like the aftereffects of alcohol. Plus, being a CMC, I can never get drunk. You gotta walk the walk.

Have you tried to inspire sailors the way your brother has inspired people to get into shape?

Whenever people find out I am Billy’s brother, I become the command fitness guy. Which is great because I do love to help sailors get into shape. I tell them that as long as they give me 100 percent, I will help them.

In your 29 years in the service, what’s the coolest thing you’ve done?

I reenlisted in the back seat of an F-18. Lt. Col. Ross Baker was the pilot. He said the oath and flew the jet. It was incredible — the most fun I’ve had in an hour. I even got to hold the stick for a while.

Did you do some barrel rolls?

No, he did the barrel rolls.

What are your future plans?

I am getting ready to head to Norfolk Naval Base for my last tour at the Safety Center. Then my wife and I will move to our 3½-acre ranch in Modesto, Calif., where she has six Arabian horses. I think I will do the fitness thing like my brother, but I will try to become a physical trainer and aim to help the 40-and-over crowd.

Jennifer H. Svan / Stars and StripesNavy Master Chief Charles Blanks stands with his brother, Billy Blanks, outside the American Forces Network studio at Misawa Air Base, Japan, in April, 2006. Billy Blanks was on a five-day visit to five U.S. military bases in mainland Japan.

Master ChiefCharles Blanks

Age: 50

Location:Misawa Air Base, JapanClaim to fame:Commander, Task Force 72 master chief; martial-arts star Billy Blanks’ younger brother

Pacific readers: Know someone whose accomplishments, talents, job, hobby, volunteer work, awards or good deeds qualify them for 15 minutes of fame? How about someone whose claim to glory is a bit out of the ordinary — even, dare we say, oddball? Call Paul Newell at Stars and Stripes with the person’s name and contact information at DSN 229-3158 or e-mail him at: newellp@pstripes.osd.mil.