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.
Members of the American Legion Post in Nocona are planning a free Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 27 at the post home at 801 W. U.S. Highway 82.
Bring the entire family out to enjoy a bounce house, dunk tank, dart throw, temporary tattoos, balloon toss, plus hot dogs and hamburgers. Kiddos will need an adult with them.
Donations are always welcome, sponsored by American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.
Fire officials remind residents that fireworks cannot be set off within the city limits of the county’s three incorporated cities of Bowie, Nocona and Saint Jo and violations could lead to a citiation for a Class C misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500.
The sale of fireworks runs through midnight on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged out in the country, but be cautious of their use to avoid any wildfire or injury.
In the Bowie area, fireworks may only be legally discharged at Selma Park on Lake Amon G. Carter on July 3 and July 4. Discharge at other times or locations may result in a ticket from city police who patrol the park.
While there is no burn ban on at this time, those using fireworks are urged to exercise caution due to possible wildfires fueled by the dry, windy conditions. Keep water available nearby when using fireworks.
High heat and wind also can create dangerous conditions for fireworks so please exert caution. Those who cause a wildfire can be held liable for any damage or injury.
Are you ready to walk among the giants of the prehistoric world?
Bring the whole family to the Bowie Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 7 for a spectacular, free traveling museum experience.
In this prehistoric museum event get up close with massive dinosaur skulls, incredible fossil replicas, and ancient prehistoric fish and mammals from all over the globe. Hosted by the Friends of the Bowie Public Library, this hands-on exhibit is perfect for future paleontologists of all ages.
The center is located at 413 Pelham Street in Bowie and is completely free and open to the public.This program is made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and The Friends of the Bowie Public Library.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonders of earth’s history. For more details on the exhibit, visit Dinosaur George Traveling Museum.
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