M.J. Gohel
Congressman Who Backed Afghan Fighters Against the Soviets Dies
Congressman Who Backed Afghan Fighters Against the Soviets Dies
Jeff Seldin | Washington, DC 11 February 2010
Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson
A former U.S. lawmaker who played a key role in the ouster of Soviet forces from Afghanistan has died.
Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson helped funnel millions of dollars to fund Afghan fighters during the 1980s.
He was known around Washington as "Good Time Charlie" for his love of drinks and women, and his life story became a Hollywood movie starring famed actor Tom Hanks.
The 2007 film "Charlie Wilson's War" introduced a new generation to the exploits of Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson and his role in shaping the future of Afghanistan.
Wilson was a member of the Appropriations Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, and used his position to help buy Afghan fighters weapons, including Stinger missiles, that inflicted heavy damage on Soviet gunships.