American Legion Post 240 Past Commander (2000-2001) USAF Colonel Bea Marin Statue Dedication

On Friday April 26th Family, Friends, Dignitaries, University Students, and Legionnaires gathered in front of Tarleton State University's Nursing Building on a beautiful spring day to witness the Bea Marin Statue Dedication. She was a key player in Tarleton State University’s School of Nursing from 2000 until her death in 2008. “Colonel Marin had the heart and passion of a true servant-leader,” said Tarleton President F. Dominic Dottavio, “instructing nursing students, serving the Stephenville community and tending wounded soldiers and prisoners of war during one of the most difficult times in our nation’s history. It is only fitting that we honor her service, leadership and tireless commitment to create a more caring world. This tremendous piece of art will have a lasting impact on Tarleton students and the Stephenville community for generations to come.” Marin enlisted as a registered nurse in the Air Force in 1967 and retired in 1993 as the first Hispanic female to earn the rank of full colonel. During the Vietnam War she served at the 12th Air Force Hospital at Cam Ranh Bay in South Vietnam, Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, and Yokota, Japan. She was sent back to Vietnam to bring wounded soldiers home, and in 1973 she made three trips to Hanoi to pick up returning American prisoners of war. Other duty stations would follow in the United Kingdom, Arizona, the Philippines, New Mexico, Ohio, California and a return to Carswell AFB. She served Harris Methodist Erath Hospital as a nurse executive from 1994 until she joined the faculty at Tarleton. Always active within the community, Marin served on the Stephenville City Council from 1997 to 2003. She was a member of many civic organizations including the VFW and The American Legion. Serving as 2000-2001 Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Commander, USAF Colonel, retired, Bea Marin led the effort to persuade Stephenville City Council to donate 100 burial plots which led to the creation of The American Legion Veterans Field of Honor at West End Cemetery. This project was made necessary when all the burial plots within The American Legion Veterans Field of Honor at East End Memorial Cemetery had been used and was one of Bea Marin’s many contributions to the Stephenville community. Stephenville’s West End Cemetery American Legion Veterans Field of Honor with red granite monument was dedicated on Memorial Day 2001. Turnbow-Higgs Post 240’s annual Memorial Day Service has been held at this location since its dedication. Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Commander Ron Henry, Past Commanders Roger Easter & Fred Cross, Honorary Life Member & Post 240's Longest serving Member at 71 years, Mickey Maguire, and Post 240 Legionnaire, Mary Macias, a nursing friend and associate of the honoree, were present on this memorable day to pay homage to a very deserving American Legion comrade. Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 is forever grateful and indebted to Past Post 240 Commander Bea Marin for her dedication, devotion and love FOR GOD AND COUNTRY.