Comments:
I immediately joined the Army after graduation and completed my basic training in Ft. Carlson, CO and from there I was sent to Ft. Bliss in El Paso where I trained in auto mechanics. Because of the Russian threat, I was sent to Germany where I was a member of the 815 Engineers Company. My unit crossed enemy lines in front of the foot patrol building bridges and landing fields for the fighting troops. From there I was sent to Berlin but the orders were canceled while in route. After serving in Germany, I returned to Victoria to work on the ranch with my father. After only 2 months in Victoria, I was drafted to serve in the Victoria Army Reserves. I received orders to Cuba but again, while in route the orders were canceled because Russia retreated.
In 1964, I moved to Weslaco and was assigned to the McAllen Infantry Army Reserves. After being released from the Army, I worked on farm equipment. In March 1965 I married. I joined the Weslaco Volunteer Fire Department in 1969. In 1971, I received my Fire Fighters Certification from TX A & M University and became a paid fire fighter. In 1979, I became the Weslaco Fire Chief and held that position for 18 years. As Fire Chief, I was responsible for fire dept operations, emergency mgmt, and EMS. I also served as Fire Prevention Coordinator and started the Rio Grande Valley Fire Fighters Academy of which my son is now the coordinator. For many years, I also worked with FFA members.
In 1997, I retired as Fire Chief due to health issues with diabetes. Over the years of fighting this disease, I’ve had to have both of my legs amputated and I’m considered legally blind. I also suffered from kidney failure and was blessed with a kidney transplant. The hobbies I enjoyed were hunting, fishing and auto mechanics. Now, I’m home bound and enjoy talking on the phone, spending time outside, and caring for my 3 dogs. I’m a member of the Knights of Columbus and I’ve been an active member of St Pius Catholic Church since 1965.
I’m very excited about attending the reunion.
