Page 44 - The History of Veterans at Highland Springs

WILLIAM L. CONNELL
HIGHLAND SPRINGS RESIDENT, NAVY
After graduation from the US Naval Academy, I was temporarily assigned to the Naval Academy’s Naval Science Department waiting to start Nuclear Power School on the West Coast.
1968 was a year filled with major changes to my naval career and life. I left Nuclear Power; became engaged and married; and reported to the USS Raleigh LPD-1 in Norfolk Virginia. Marrying the former Carol Ann Byrd from Hollis, Oklahoma, an honor graduate in music education from Oklahoma State University, has become a 50-year life journey and one we’re still continuing.
From late 1968 to the summer of 1971, I found my true calling in the Navy while assigned to the Raleigh as a ship driver! 1991 was a special time to be called to active duty to participate in the Persian Gulf War. Commander, 7th Fleet took all his reserves with him on the USS Blue Ridge LCC-1 during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
I had the privilege of being a 20-year board of director member for the Dallas Military Ball and the 1999 General Chairman.
After the 9/11 attack, I went to work for the Department of Homeland Security as a Transportation Security Manager assigned to DFW Airport. Dallas was also a great place to raise a family. Christopher, an only child, was valedictorian at Jesuit Dallas in 1992.
A stroke in 2010 forced me into retirement. My wife and I remain active in an independent living community called Highland Springs, Dallas. Serving others cheerfully keeps us fully engaged. This is manifested as a Stephen Minister at FUMC Richardson and as a support group facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association at Highland Springs.
44