Terry served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hancock (CVA-19) as a Boatswain Mate. She was an attack carrier that operated exclusively in the Pacific, playing a prominent role in the Vietnam War and was the first carrier of the United States Fleet with steam catapults capable of launching high-performance jets. Terry served aboard the Hancock for 2 years in the Far East and made port in Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Japan before the Hancock joined in combined defense exercises along the coast of South Korea when she received orders and deployed off the coast of South Vietnam after a coup resulted in the death of the country’s president. When the Hancock returned stateside, Terry returned home to Austin, TX and spent the remainder of his 6 years of service in the Navy Reserves.

 

Once out of the military, Terry went to work for the Texas Highway Department and then went into municipal public service as a Building Inspector for the City of Austin. He served as the Assistant Building Official for the City of West University Place, TX. He served as the Building Official in Harriman, TN. After moving back to Texas, Terry served as the Building Official and became nationally certified as the FEMA Floodplain Manager for the City of Marble Falls, TX. Terry changed career focus and used his building code knowledge and expertise and became a contractor for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers working on multiple construction projects around the country for many years.

Terry and his wife Gwynne raised two children and have 4 grandchildren. They live in Killeen in the Ding Dong community. They have an RV and love taking the family on camping trips. Terry is retired and Gwynne works at Fort Hood as a contractor. Terry joined our Post in 2025, and his wife has served as an officer in the Auxiliary to our post since the Auxiliary started in October 2025. They have both served in other organizations in the local community in the past, and having this chance to serve and support veterans and serve the community is an honor.