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5 questions with Harold Harvell

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Editor’s note: Answering  The Purcell Register’s five questions this week is Harold Harvell of Goldsby.

Q: How long have you lived in Goldsby?

A:We have lived in the town of Goldsby for over 30 years. Our home was built on acreage and the majority of the construction was accomplished by local skilled talents. We found right away the advantage of using local contracting was their interest in doing a quality job.

Q: In what branch of the military did you serve and for how long?

A: I grew up in El Reno where my folks had a small farm. Graduated from El Reno High School in 1947 and since my four brothers were all in World War II, I immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps (later named U.S. Air Force).

After a year of Radio Operator School, I was assigned as a crew member on a large four-engine transport aircraft. Our crew was fortunate to be assigned on missions that included most of the countries of the world and above the Arctic Circle.

The Korean War became very critical and the need for combat troops was urgent. Our assignment was to transport troops from stateside to Korea via Alaska, Aleutian Islands and Tokyo.

Our aircraft was then converted to Medical Air Evac, including 26 stretchers for those severely wounded heroes and two flight nurses. All hospitals were filled to capacity in Japan and the only alternatives were hospitals in Hawaii.

Many of the wounded had body casts requiring all our flight crew to lift the stretchers onto the aircraft.

In 1951, I married my wife, Shirley, at the Air Force Chapel. I was discharged from the USAF and returned to Oklahoma.

Q: What did you do for a living before you retired?

A: After Korea, I obtained employment with Tinker AFB, worked the night shift and attended Oklahoma City University during the day. I received my degree in 1957.

I applied for a crew member flight position with the Federal Aviation Administration and later obtained a management position in the Aircraft Maintenance Branch.

Q: How did you become involved with the Veterans Park in Goldsby?

A: I retired from FAA in 1979 and was part owner of an aircraft business at Wiley Post Airport for several years. I retired again and enjoyed taking care of our home and property at Goldsby. I also obtained approval to design and build a Veterans Memorial. The whole town pitched in to salute our veterans.

Q: In what organizations are you active?

A: I am a life member of the VFW and member of American Legion and Veterans Corner.

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