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.
Have piles of old documents cluttering your space and you are finally ready to get rid of them?
The Bowie Chamber of Commerce board of directors will will host its free community Shred-a-Thon on Oct. 10, in the Wellington State Bank bank parking lot.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1301 N. Highway 59 in Bowie.
The Paper Pig Secure Document Destruction will provide professional, on-site shredding. While the services are free, the Bowie Chamber of Commerce noted any donations collected during the event will be shared with a local charity.
For additional details, call the chamber office at 872-1173.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowinewsonline.com
For the first time in its 31 years Mother Nature rained hard on the Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival causing some cancellations, but those who attended and competed enjoyed the fun despite the damp.
While in past years there have been a few sprinkles Saturday saw rain on and off all day from a deluge to a sprinkle. Shortly after lunch the rain slowed to a light sprinkle.
Cindy Roller, executive director for Bowie Community Development, said there was good participation in its contests that were inside and more than 50 vintage vehicles rolled up for the car show. She sent out big thanks to all those vendors, competitors and guests who came out to support the festival.
While Saturday was wet, Friday night filled downtown Bowie with sippin’ strollers for the fall edition of Sip & Stroll With Me. Parking spaces were packed as strollers enjoyed shopping and munching at nearly 30 participating merchants. Roller added she continues to be amazed as Sip numbers and merchants continue to grow each year.
Fiddle contest
The Chicken and Bread Days fiddle contest continues to be a showcase for area fiddlers from beginners to seasoned pros.
This year a total of 50 contestants took part including 10 accompanists. The Grand Champion title went to Carl Hopkins, Porter, TX.
Read about all the results in your Thursday Bowie News.
(Top photo – Fiddlers filled the Bowie fire hall Saturday for the annual Chicken and Bread Days fiddle contest. Photo by Barbara Green)
The Friends of the Nocona Public Library have released some important dates for families to put on their calendars for the rest of the year.
Oct. 9, storytime at 10 a.m.
Oct. 1-31 – Book sale
Nov. 13 – Story time at 10 a.m.
Dec. 4 – Santa photos from 3 to 5 p.m.
Dec. 11 – Story time at 10 a.m.
Make plans to stop by your local library in Nocona.
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