San Marcos — Major Harry D. Stewart, a 37-year resident of San Marcos, came from a military family. His father was a pilot in both World War I and II. His brothers were pilots in the Korean War and in Vietnam.
So it was no surprise when he joined the Air Force immediately after graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio in June of 1951. His 20-year military career would be followed by 23 years as manager of Corpsmen Information Systems at Gary Job Corps.
After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, he was transferred to the West Point prep school at Stewart Air Base in Newburg, New York. After that, he grabbed the opportunity to become an air cadet and went to Bartow Air Base in Florida for single engine pilot training. He received his wings at Greenville Air Base in Mississippi and then was transferred to Randolph in San Antonio for training on B-29s.
In 1953, he was assigned to Mac Dill AFB in Tampa, Florida, where he was assigned to KC-97 tanker refueling aircraft. From there, he went to McGuire AFB in New Jersey where he literally lived in an aircraft for 19 days during the Cuban missile crisis.
Spending his entire military career in the Strategic Air Command, Stewart flew more than 200 missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.
During his distinguished military career, he received many medals and commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross for saving four F-105s in an extremely critical refueling operation, as well as the Air Medal and Air Force Commendation medal.
While pursuing his military career, Major Stewart found time to marry and father five children.
During his years at Gary Job Corps, Harry found time to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Texas State University in 1985.
When he and Ellie and crew moved to San Marcos in 1971, they became very much a part of the local community, giving freely of their time volunteering on many community projects. He has served in the Vestry of St. Mark's Episcopal Church several times and has been an active member of Lions International for 29 years. Stewart sold Christmas trees for the San Marcos Evening Lions Club for many years, and is now a member of the San Marcos Lions Club. He is particularly proud of his work with the Lions' Eye Bank in Manor.
Major Stewart, U.S. Air Force retired, will join four fellow veterans in an honor guard riding on a float immediately behind the three World War II veterans who will share grand marshal honors in San Marcos' Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.
Local News
Honored vet: Stewart carries on tradition
- Local News
-
-
Massive crane lifts old theater from Spring Lake
Every job requires the proper tool. So it was on Thursday when the old Submarine Theater was finally lifted out of Spring Lake.
-
Teachers of the Year
-
Saturday Memorial Day ceremony to pay tribute
The public is invited to attend the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the San Marcos City Cemetery at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 26, sponsored by San Marcos American Legion Post 144.
-
Ruiz makes presentation about tax risks for boomers
Ruben Ruiz, local author and CEO of the Ruiz Financial Group, LLC and Money Concepts, recently presented at the National Group Conference, at the Fairmont Orchard Hotel on the big island of Kona, Hawaii.
-
HOT coming to Wimberley
The Heart of Texas (HOT) Chorus is coming to Wimberley for a free performance – and the public is invited.
-
2012 seniors to sweep San Marcos
The San Marcos High School seniors of the Class of 2012 will be out in force Saturday, cleaning up downtown, hoping that passers-by and local residents will donate $1 each to Project Graduation, the annual drug and alcohol free celebration for the senior class to celebrate their high school graduation.
-
Texas leading state for small business
In recognition of National Small Business Week, Texas Workforce Commissioner Tom Pauken shares some good news about our state’s positive climate for small businesses.
-
City plans park dedication in the name of San Marcos soldier killed in Afghanistan
The family of Capt. Paul Peña, the city of San Marcos, San Marcos Academy and representatives of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point will dedicate a park in honor of the fallen soldier at a special Memorial Weekend ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday.
-
Cemetario del Rio
- Burn ban off – for now
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
