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.
Get an early start celebrating mom by enjoying the Mom’s Night Out Sip & Stroll With Me downtown Bowie, Texas from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 2 with a chance to win a free gift basket full of goodies at each participating location.
Weather permitting, the Stark family will provide horse-drawn carriage rides on the beautiful historic brick streets for guests.
Join us for another fun downtown “mini-open house” event starting at 5 p.m. along with the added fun of pop-up vendors.
Read about all the participating merchants for this week’s Sip & Stroll With Me in the May 1 Bowie News.
Get ready, Bowie the Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con is back and bigger than ever for its second annual event on May 3 at the Bowie Public Library.
Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this annual celebration of comics, pop culture, and creativity is a can’t-miss event for fans of all ages.
This year’s Mini-Con will feature an exciting lineup of vendors, artists and authors, along with a bounce house, video game tournament and costume contest. Attendees can enjoy free comic books while exploring a variety of geeky goods, delicious food/drinks and more.
Whether you’re a superhero fan or just looking for a fun community event for all ages or to take the family out to, there’s a little something for everyone.
Don’t forget your costume, join us for a day of fun, fandom and free comics. Follow Bowie Texas Freakz & Geekz on social media or join the discord at BTXFG.Carrd.co.
Members of the Stoneburg Volunteer Fire Department will serve up its annual fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 3 at the Bowie Community Center, 413 Pelham Street.
Dinner includes fish with all the trimmings, served for donations only.
There will be a prize drawing for a Pitboss Savannah Pellet Grill and a custom built ARIS Rifle 5.56 NATO. Tickets are $10. To buy tickets call Bill Prater at 841-0263, Chad Long at 531-2711 or Chad Gerlach at 531-0726.
Donations may be sent to Stoneburg VFD, c/o Chad Gerlach, 9954 FM 1816, Bowie, TX 76230.
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