COUNTY LIFE
Sunset veteran had to fight to get his Naval record released so he could get health care
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Merle Wayne McConnell was only 19 when he joined the United States Navy as a way to pursue higher education.
His parents, William Henry McConnell and Dorothy O. Willett of Sunset, supported his decision, but they had no idea they would never really know what their son did in the Navy or where he was stationed during his four years.
He worked with “top secret” clearance in several areas, but even after he got out he was sworn to silence on his activities. It was not until much later in his life was he able to be released from that promise as he dealt with health issues believed to be connected to his exposure to radioactive fluids.
Those fluids were leaking from a nuclear device in the cargo bay of a R6D which landed between August and December of 1957. That secrecy kept him from receiving appropriate medical care that is believed to have resulted in him being diagnosed with several different cancers later in his life.
Assisted by Decatur Veteran’s Service Officer, McConnell for years was confronted with VA officials telling him the records were lost, we can’t open the records they are classified and other obstacles.
Finally McConnell received confirmation of that medical appeal for information in August 2019 and was able to receive appropriate medical care and freely speak of many of his activities.
What follows is this veteran’s first person account prepared by himself and wife Joanne from information culled from his military records and submitted to the veteran’s affairs. This record of service was submitted with his appeal for medical care in November 2017. It took almost two years for it to be accepted.
Read this veteran’s personal narrative on his service in the Navy in your weekend Bowie News.
Top photo- Sunset’s Wayne McConnell joined the U.S. Navy at the tender age of 19.
Texas AgriLife Extension will host a July workshop on July 26, Preserving the Harvest, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church of Montague County, 300 W. Nelson.
This four-part series will teach and review the food preservation processes including water bathing, pickling, dehydrating and pressure canning. This program will have both education and hands-on activities with take-home practice.
Seating is limited so call the extension office to register at 894-4831.
The 2025 Pioneer Court will be led by Joan Cantwell as the pioneer queen, with Duchesses Bill Ann Jones and Sue Swint.
A coronation of the court will be at 2:30 p.m. on June 27 at the Bowie Community Center. The public is invited to attend the crowning followed by a reception hosted by the Amity Club of Bowie.
Meet the ladies of the Pioneer Court in the Thursday Bowie News. Coming next week the young ladies competing for Miss Jim Bowie Days and Little Miss.
The Saint Jo Rodeo Queen committee is currently seeking its next group of royals.
On June 22 the committee will have its kickoff meeting and mini-clinic for all girls interested in knowing more about becoming a rodeo queen. The meeting will be at 2 p.m. at the Saint Jo Riding Club Rodeo Arena.
Girls will be able to sign up and learn more about the pageant that includes queen, junior queen and princess. It is open to Texas and Oklahoma girls.
The queen division is for ages 15 – 24. The junior queen division 14 and under. Both the queen and junior queen contests are judged on horsemanship, personality and appearance.
The princess competition is designed for little girls up to the age of nine who are not quite ready for the horsemanship, but are ready to begin the personality, appearance and ticket sales divisions.
The deadline to enter is July 7 and the competition and rodeo dates are Aug. 1-2.
For more information visit: saintjorodeo.com or call/text 940-366-6061.
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