Bobby Bowman is no stranger to most Winston Countians. He graduated from Louisville High School and was a talented football player. He spent most of his educational career as a football coach at Nanih Waiya High School. Today, however, Bowman spends four days of the week assisting local veterans wading through the process of filling out paperwork to obtain benefits through the VA (Veteransí Affairs). Bowman himself is a veteran, even though he served stateside. He was a member of the National Guard ñ even playing on the postís football team. ìI often tell people that was my only combat,î Bowman laughs. Bowman would also join the Army Reserve in Starkville after his initial commitment to the military. He has three and onehalf years of what is considered active duty. Perhaps Bowmanís most valuable contribution as a veteran is the assistance he provides. On Monday, Bowman had two individuals in his office needing assistance. For one individual, this assistance was help in navigating and filling out necessary forms (the DD 214 is the most common form he must fill out and send into the VA for local veterans). The second individual needed help finding a particular form prior to a trip to his physician. These may seem routine and mundane, but Bowman understands that many veterans ñ particularly those who arenít very technically savvy ñ deeply value his assistance in simply getting paperwork filed out and turned in properly. He noted that Monday is typically his busiest day, and he treats each individual who enters his office with respect and kindness. So many local vets depend upon him for this valuable assistance as navigating it on oneís own is quite a task. Aside of his position as the Veteransí Affairs Officer for Winston County, Bowman spends a great deal of time throughout the year organizing events that honor veterans. Each year, he organizes a Memorial Day service at the Courthouse. Local vets attend while the American flag is lowered to half-staff to honor those our county lost in battle. He also helps to plan Veteransí Day events in conjunction with other local civic organizations. While Bowman isnít one to boast about his work, he is invaluable to local vets whether he is simply honoring their service or helping them to potentially get benefits or apply for appeals. One of Winston Countyís treasured veterans has quite the personality. Bill Fryery is a veteran of the Vietnam conflict. He warmly discussed his regiment ñ ìwe are brothers,î Fryery noted, explaining that no one in his regiment was lost during the war. Each year, the unit, which was out of Greenwood, MS, was the only unit to be called up to go to Vietnam (many individuals were called up for the draft but Fryeryís unit was the only intact unit where each individual was from the Magnolia State). The unit was tasked with petroleum (gas) procurement, care, and supply. Fryery served as a medic for the unit. In this capacity, Fryery worked with locals affected by the war. He told of a patient that was his ìfavoriteî who came seeking care approximately once a week. In Vietnam, diseases such as cholera, malaria, and head lice were all prevalent. Fryery spent one Christmas day caring for Vietnamese orphans who had lost their parents and were placed in a nearby orphanage. He detailed meeting people from all over the country, including a group from Manhattan (New York) who were housed in the same barracks. He noted how they found a common ground serving together although they came from such different places across America. Fryery also works to honor veterans locally. He can be found present at Memorial Day events, standing and saluting the flag in honor of his country and remembrance of his ìband of brothersî in service. He noted that while his regiment still manages to gettogether every year, many of his brothers in arms have passed away. Even though the remaining members are aging and not always in the best of health, the group meets regularly and remains close, bonded by their experience. Fryery regularly speaks at civic groups, attends remembrance services, and honors his fallen brothers with pride.
