ROCKWALL COUNTY, TX (November 2, 2014) The Rock Wall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted the National Defense Luncheon at the Rockwall County Library, Saturday, Nov. 1 Dr. Bill McCarron, a Rockwall resident, spoke to the chapter regarding the country’s national defense during the Vietnam War, “Vietnam at 50.”
Dr. McCarron is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who was awarded a Bronze Star for his service during the Vietnam War. He earned his PhD from the University of New Mexico and taught at the Air Force Academy for 12 years. He would later serve as a professor at Texas A&M-Commerce for 21 years before retiring in 2008.
His recently published book, Civilizing the Texas Frontier, chronicles the lives of Mr. and Mrs. James Lowry Smith, early settlers of Amarillo, TX. The book is thematically tied to the numerous evolving civilizing elements of the Texas frontier – including the West Texas roots of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
He previously published a monograph on the Vietnam War and a collection of short stories.
The program included a Welcome by Linda Smith, the Invocation by Faye Heil, the Presentation of the Colors by the East Fork Trinity Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag by Joy Greenwalt, The American’s Creed by Fraya Fisk, Pledge to the Texas Flag by Gail Lasky, Introduction of Guests by Margaret O’Connor, and the Introduction of Guest Speaker by Linda Smith.
A lunch was prepared and served students of the Rockwall High School Culinary Arts program.
Linda Smith also recognized the event’s hostesses and made general announcements.
Dr. McCarron spoke on the topic of the Vietnam War in retrospect 50 years later, “Vietnam at 50.” McCarron touched on multiple topics such as the war’s beginning in 1965, language barriers, technical knowledge vs. agricultural knowledge, strategic objectives, and books, movies, and songs recalling the war.
Vietnam Veterans in the audience were asked to stand and be recognized. In addition to McCarron, they included Jim Greenwalt, Willis Harrison and Stephen Nanney.
Submitted by Joy Greenwalt, Daughters of the American Revolution.
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