william (Tony) Workman
William “Tony” Workman, after whom the American Legion Post #294 in Missouri City, Texas, is named, was a distinguished local figure and a veteran of World War II. While specific details about his personal life and military service are limited in public records, here’s a general outline based on typical practices and honors that could have been associated with someone in his position:
Early Life and Military Service
- Early Life: Tony Workman likely grew up in Missouri City or the surrounding area. His early life would have been shaped by the Great Depression and the pre-war years.
- Military Service: During World War II, Workman would have enlisted in one of the branches of the U.S. military. His service could have taken him to various theaters of war, including Europe, the Pacific, North Africa, or other areas where American forces were engaged. Veterans like him often faced combat and significant hardships during their service.
Post-War Contributions
- Community Involvement: After the war, Workman returned to Missouri City and became a prominent figure in the community. His leadership and dedication to service would have been well recognized, leading to the honor of having the American Legion Post named after him.
- Veterans’ Advocacy: Like many veterans, Workman would have been involved in advocating for the rights and needs of his fellow veterans, helping to ensure they received the benefits and support they deserved.
Legacy
American Legion Post #294: The naming of the post after William “Tony” Workman signifies his importance and the high regard in which he was held by the community. This honor reflects his contributions both during and after his military service.
Historical Context
World War II Veterans: The generation of veterans who served in World War II, often referred to as the “Greatest Generation,” made significant sacrifices and played crucial roles in both the war and the post-war rebuilding period. They were instrumental in shaping the mid-20th century United States through their service, leadership, and civic engagement.
While specific details about Tony Workman’s life may not be readily available, the honor of having a post named after him suggests a legacy of dedication, service, and leadership within the veteran and local community. For more precise information, local historical records or archives related to Missouri City and the American Legion Post #294 might provide additional insights.
A bit of history from our Vice Commander Edward Gibbons
Back in January of 2006 Tony Workman was planning to form a Missouri City American Legion Post. He became Post Commander and I became Post Vice Commander. He needed an Adjutant. He said that Jack Williams would be a good man for the Job. What an understatement — Jack is a genius. On his own without any help, Jack has added 80 new members to our Post 294. We now have 102 members. We got our Charter on Feb. 10, 2006. Since our Charter date, I have never missed a meeting and feel great that I have seen the results of Jack Williams’ endeavors.
Edward “Ed” Anthony Gibbons, born 4/17/1919 in Philadelphia, Pa, raised in Boston, Mass. Joined the U.S. Army/Air Force in 1941 and was on active duty until 1947 as an Aerial Engineer on B24 Bombers. While ferrying B24’s from Chanute, Ill. to England, one of the sorties of 12 planes encountered weather/navigation problems and only 3 planes (including the one Ed was on) made it to the airfield in England with the other 9 lost at sea.
As a Boston police officer, Ed gained experience in dealing with crime up-close, and with that knowledge, went on to write and have published, 6 crime novels. As one of the Founding members of Post 294, Ed has retired from the Post as the 1st Vice Commander. Thank you Ed for your service and your tireless service to the Post. You will be missed.
Donations Gratefully
Accepted.
Missouri City, Texas.
Dennis (Denny) Thibault, Born in Minnesota in 1942, raised in Grand Forks, ND and Blaine, Wash. Military time spent with the Army, assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in a Recon Group and was an active Jumpmaster of several fixed wing (C-130 was my favorite) and helicopter aircraft. Attended colleges in Washington and California. Spent working career with Engineering, Construction and Logistical Support Companies globally (Brown & Root ,KBR, Bechtel) and retiring from Fluor Corp. in 2008. A member on the American Legion since 1966. Currently serving as Post Historian.
Donald G. Johnson
I entered the Army on February 1954 and took basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
After Basic I attended basic electronics school at Fort Monmouth New Jersey. Then Corporal Missile Internal Guidance school at the Ordnance Guided Missile School Red Stone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama.
In late 1954 I was sent to Germany with the first Guided missile unit to be deployed overseas. The Corporal missile. It carried an atomic war head and was meant to target the Fulda Gap, an area thought to be the main attack route by the Russians.
After one year with that unit I volunteered to go to the Seventh Army NCO Academy in Munich, Germany. I graduated as the distinguished graduate which gained me a promotion from Specialist 3rd class to staff sergeant E5.
In 1956 the type 1 Corporal replaced by an improved version, the Corporal 2. My unit was disbanded. I was transferred to an atomic weapons depot where I gained a new MOS “Atomic weapons electrical assembly” technician.
From 1957 until June 1960 I was in the army reserve. During this time I attended Indiana University and Evansville University Freshman and Sophomore Years.
In June 1960 I re-enlisted in the Army and was sent to Fort Monmouth again for refresher training. Then back to Ordnance Guided Missile school at Huntsville Alabama for training as an internal guidance and Launcher Electronics Technician on the Hawk Missile System. I then joined up with an Ordnance General Support Co. And deployed with this unit to Korea 1961.
Back to Conus 1962 as a staff sergeant E-6. Note: I Never had to change my stripes.
From September 1962 Until January I964 I was platoon sergeant of a
maintenance unit at Red Stone Arsenal Al.
In 1963 I applied for and was assigned for Aviation School in Alabama. I was to attend the flight school in June of 1964.
I then learned of a Warrant Officer Candidate School starting In January ‘64 thinking that this was a better deal than flight school, I submitted a 1049 Withdrawing from flight school and resubmitting for the Air Defense Artillery Warrant Officer school at Fort Bliss, Texas.
Two weeks after applying for the school I was on my way to Fort Bliss Jan 1964. In October of 1964 I graduated along with 17 other students with the rank of Warrant Officer W1
For the next 8 years I served as Maintenance officer in Hawk missile batteries in Korea, Germany and Key West Florida. In 1972 I was promoted to CW3 and was assigned as the battalion Electronics and Missile Mainten- hance Officer (EMMO) for the 6-65 ADA BN. Hanau Germany.
1974 Assigned to the Fort Bliss ADA School as Branch Chief of The Pulse Acquisition Radar and Battery Control Central as Branch Chief.
1977 promoted to CW4 and attended Warrant Officer Advanced school for one year.
1978 Assigned as advisor to the Saudi Arabian Air Defense School Jedda Saudi Arabia.
1978-1979 Generals Staff at Fort Bliss, Texas
1979 went to work for Raytheon as a Senior Field Engineer And was part of a team that fielded the first Patriot Missile Battalion in 1982 at White Sands N.M.
1981 Obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree, Management “Summa Cum Laude”.