Page 23 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2025 - Online Magazine

navy | COld war,
desert stOrm, 9/11

fast-attack subs designed to locate and destroy enemy
ships and submarines.

After retiring from the Navy in 2007, Norm rekindled
his aviation interest and worked as an aircraft assem-
bler at Bell Helicopter in Amarillo, building the V-22
Osprey. His next career move was in 2008 with the Tex-
as Workforce Commission, recruited as part of a charter
group that started the Texas Veterans Leadership
Program. Their mission was to assist service members
with transitioning and assimilating back into civilian
life after returning from conflicts in Iraq and Afghani-
stan. During this time Norm worked closely with many
Veteran Service Organizations throughout the state of
Texas as well as staff at the Amarillo and Lubbock VA
Healthcare System. Texas South Plains

After 15 years with the Texas Workforce Commission, War Stories
he switched over to the Texas Veterans Land Board
where he currently serves as the On-Site Representative Interviews with Veterans
for the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery currently
under construction, continuing his service to Veterans from World War II
and their families. to Afghanistan

Norm’s passion now is to help the Texas Veterans Land
Board (VLB) bring the Veterans Cemetery to life with by LARRY A. WILLIAMS
a projected opening in December of 2025. He strives to and KATHERINE MCLAMORE
educate the Veteran Community, not only about their
burial benefits, but all other programs offered by the
VLB. Documenting recollections from
survivors of World War II, Korea,
Norm is a life member of VFW Post 2466, the DAV
Chapter 44, and the American Legion Post 500, as well Vietnam and other conflicts—all
as an active member of the Lubbock Regional Veterans residents of the Texas Panhan-
Honor Guard. He is the proud father of two sons, Ga- dle—this book presents narratives
len, who lives in Deridder, LA and served four years in from men and women whose
the US Army, and Eric, who resides in Lubbock. young lives, for good or ill, were
A life well-lived is worthy of probing for insight. When defined by their participation in
asked what wisdom he had gleaned, Norm contemplat- warfare in service to their country.
ed a while, then answered, “If I could meet the younger
me, I would tell him to cherish the good times, learn
from the bad experiences, value the true friendships, To order a copy,
listen to those people you look up to, but most of all, please contact
enjoy life each day as if it were your last. The joy of liv- Larry Williams at
ing is found in each day—not looking forward to some williams6039@outlook.com
future time when everything is going to be perfect. (806) 252-6695
Live, Love, and Learn.”

Lubbock Senior Link 23