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November 6, 1970
P. 0. Box 211
Taft, Texas 78390
Dear Fellow Spearheaders,
I understand you want a news letter from the Pools. I just don't
know how or where to begin, but here goes - but, before I start,
the most important thing to us. There are never enough words
at a time like this to express our true feelings of thankfulness,
appreciation and gratitude for all our wonderful Third Armored
Association brothers and what you have done for us. However,
we do thank each and everyone of you and ask God to bless you.
As you know, Lafe was wounded on Sept. 19, 1944. He was shipped
to England and from there to William Beaumont Gen. Hosp., El
Paso, Texas. After a stay in the hospital of 22 months, he was
discharged from the service at Lawton General Hosp. in Atlanta,
Ga., on June 6, 1946. He came to Corpus Christi and started a
business, but the Army wouldn't let him alone - he reentered
the service in July, 1948, in South Carolina. On September 19,
1969, at Brook Gen. Hosp. in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Lafe was
retired from the service. In 1946 his right leg was amputated
eight inches above the knee. In 1959 they removed the knee cap
from his left knee; he has three discs in his spine which have
disintegrated and this has been giving him much trouble since
"Celia," but he has never stopped. He says he is not
disabled - just slowed down.
Lafe went to business college in San Angelo, Texas, and received
his Jr. Accounting and Business Adm. certificates, but his heart
was always set on preaching God's word. This he did very well
since 1960 as a resident minister until last June. He resigned
and started teaching school in junior high. He is teaching welding
and small motor maintenance under the CVAE program. He enjoys
this very much. It is helping boys that really need help, if
they want it.
We have seven children, four grandchildren, one step-grandson
and another one due in December. While Lafe was minister, he
was privileged to perform the wedding ceremonies of two of our
children.
Our eldest son, 1st Lt. Jerry (26), has been missing in action
in SE Asia since March 24, 1970. He is in the 5th Special Forces.
He has a 4-year-old son and a daughter 2 years. His wife and
family are awaiting his return to North Carolina near Fort Bragg
in their mobile home.
Our second son, Thomas (24), is the manager for the cafeterias
in Commerce, Texas, for East Texas State College. He could not
go into the service as he is going deaf. He and his wife have
no children.
Our third son, Sp.5 Rickie (22), is teaching radar and computer
maintenance in New Jersey. He spent one year in Vietnam in the
101st Airborne. We know he won the Bronze Star, but he never
told us anything about his year there. He and his wife are expecting
their first child in December. She has a sweet little four-year-old
boy from a previous marriage (his daddy was killed).
Yolanda is our eldest daughter (20) and has two beautiful
little girls (1 yr. and two yrs.). Yolanda attends Stevenson's
Beauty College in Corpus. She made a wrong choice of mates, so
is making a new life for herself and her daughters. They are
living with us at the present time.
Paula is our second daughter (named for Paul Maurer [3AD WWII
chaplain]). She is 17 and a senior in high school. Last year,
Paula was in the top five in the Miss Taft Pageant, one of the
Homecoming Queen nominees, modeled for our leading department
store and for one of the women's clubs in a private showing,
represented Taft on the float for the Chamber of Commerce in
the Buccaneers' Parade in Corpus. She plans to be an interior
decorator.
Deborah is our third daughter (15). She is a freshman in high
school this year. She is fixing to come into her own, so big
sisters better watch out.
John, our youngest, is 10 and a fifth grader; great in sports.
He loves to fish, and is a "Pebble Puppy" - rock hound.
He's 100% boy.
Lafe works with little leagues and has done so everywhere
we've lived. He really enjoys working with young people. He is
going to Del Mar College in Corpus on Tuesday and Thursday evenings,
taking Texas Government and History. We also have a lot of church
activities so you see we don't have any time to get stale. We
are making plans to attend the 3AD Reunion next year. We had
planned to make it to Dallas, but Lafe was in school.
God has been very good to us and we know. He will continue
with us as long as we stay with Him.
Thanks for finding us and letting us know how closely knit
the Association is. We never dreamed it was so well organized.
Thanks to everyone again for everything. May god bless you
all.
Love always,
Lafe and Evelyn Pool
[Staff Note: The Pool's oldest son, 1st Lt. Jerry L.
Pool, Army Special Forces Green Beret, was reported missing in
Cambodia in March, 1970, was declared dead in 1978.]
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