Willing and Able
September 1, 2010
Since July 14, 2010 the 320th has lost four of our own to hostile forces in Afghanistan. These troopers gave their lives for Duty, Honor and Country. Let us remember always that Freedom is Never Free! No matter the day, week, month or year someone, somewhere is defending our country. It doesn't matter if you served during "peacetime" or war. Once a soldier, always a soldier. If I had to do it again, or if I have to do it again, I will.
Remember these Patriots; each a fallen hero. Remember their families. They did not die in vain. They gave the last full measure of devotion, as President Lincoln said, that this nation will remain free. Do your part. Don't be passive. Participate in the affairs of your country, your state, your county, your city, wherever you live; participate. These brave troopers did, completely, voluntarily and without expectation of reward.
May God Bless and Keep these Patriots in His arms through all eternity!
Tom Walinski
Webmaster
Hi Rodger;
On June the 5th. 2010 I attended a luncheon at the VFW in Azusa, Ca.
honoring the Normandy invasion vets of the 101st airborne division. put on by
southern california eagles chapter ( 101adascec ). there were 6 101st. d-day
vets who jumped at Normandy on d-day that attended in addition to about 10
vietnam era vets. 320th vets Jim Mcmullen, Norbert Carrillo, Ray Chavez, and
Myself, probably 50 people total including family. The food and entertainment
were great.
Norbert ask if I would try and locate his old friend Billy Bowlin from Texas
that he served with in 1959-60 a co 327 infantry, and again 1963-66 A/2/320th.
Artillery at Ft. Campbell and Vietnam. I searched Texas public information and
was able to contact Billy's (widower) brother in law in Mansfield Tx. R.R.
Jensen. Mr. Jensen is retired US Navy and did not know Billy very well but did
say Billy died Sept. 9 1987 in Mansfield, Tx. and is intered at Rendon cemetery
in Rendon Tx. and had full military honors at his burial. Mr. Jensen said Billy
was married to a Doris Ann in the 1960's and has 2 daughters that live in Texas
but said they probably could not provide much information about their dad. He
said Billy's cousin Bobby Bowlin in Kennedale, Tx. is some what of a family
historian. I have Bobby Bowlin's contact information if some one wants to
contact him. I have not contacted Bobby.
According to ancestry.com Billy was awarded the bronze star twice in 1972
Vietnam.
Please forward this e-mail to our members and post Billy's name and information
to our rosters.
The attched pictures are from the d-day luncheon, #1 l to r Bill Inez, Norbert,
Ray, Me, Jim Mc. Paul Martinez I/506 1944-45, Jim Daliosio, and Henry Paredes.
#2 Paul Martinez left and not sure of the other d-day vets names.
Any one interested in the Southern California Eagles Chapter can contact me. It
is a fun organization and put on some great events.
This Friday 23 July Dennis Bubnar and I are attending a luau at the VFW in Pico
Rivera, Ca. put on By Paul Martinez and his family. Ray Chavez will be
there, Ray and Dennis went to basic trainning at Ft. Ord, Ca. then jump school
and ended up at the 320th in 1963 at Ft. Campbell. they have not seen each other
since 1964 at Ft. Campbell
I hope this e-mail makes it with the attached pictures.
Billy L. Bowlin career soldier b. 25 Oct. 1935 Tarrant City, Tx. d. 9 Sept 1987
Mansfield, Tx, A/2/320th 1963-66, Rendon cemetery, Rendon, Tx. awarded bronze
star twice 1972 Vietnam.
Thank you, Jack D. Johnston, 21 July 2010.
Bill Inez, Norbert Carrillo, Ray Chavez, Jack Johnston, Jim McMullen. Paul Martinez I/506 1944-45, Jim Daliosio, and Henry Paredes
#2 Paul Martinez left and not sure of the other d-day vets names