Family and friends gathered to honor a local World War II veteran on his 101st birthday at the HEARTS Veteran Museum of Texas. As part of the celebration, the City of Huntsville proclaimed November 3 is now Thomas Gambrell Sr. Day.
In addition to being awarded a day, he received a flag flown over the state capital in his honor.
Drafted in October of 1942, he served in the Navy onboard the USS Monticello during WWII. During his over three years of service, his work ethic helped him earn the rank of Seaman First Class. Another one of the gifts to commemorate his service is a personalized poem:
“Sailing on a cargo ship, refueling planes and landing craft. On the deck tossed about, the seas were rough as rain poured down. A sitting duck for packs of wolves, you survived for years to tell you tales…” written by retired US Army Colonel Rob Harmon.
Seaman First Class Gambrell Sr. is part of 1.1% of living World War II Veterans, according to the 2020 census. A portion of the greatest generation with stories only he can tell.
Voices of loved ones and laughter filled the hallways of the museum with stories that only a centenarian could tell. A father of nine children. A sailor, farmer, and builder of homes. Seaman First Class Gambrell Sr. has always worked and given back to his community and has no plans to slow down.
Thomas Gambrell Sr. is surrounded by family and friends before starting his 101st birthday celebration at the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas on Nov. 3, 2022. His children, grandchildren and church congregation members attended his birthday celebration.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter 5871 Commander Lee Dahlen shows his father World War II Seabee’s uniform. Seaman First Class Thomas Gambrell Sr. shared some of his experiences at his 101st birthday celebration at the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas.
Russell Humphrey, Mayor Pro Tempore, presented a proclamation stating Nov. 3, 2022, is now Thomas Gambrell Sr. Day in Huntsville, Texas. Thomas Gambrell Sr. received the proclamation at his 101st birthday celebration at the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas.
Tara Burnett, HEARTS Museum Executive Director, presented a flag flown over the State Capital for the 101st birthday of Seaman First Class Thomas Gambrell Sr. He received the flag at his birthday celebration at the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas.
Praise On Purpose sang several songs for Thomas Gambrell Sr.’s 101st birthday celebration at the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas.
Thomas Gambrell Sr is surrounded by family and friends before cutting the cake for his 101st birthday celebration at the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas.
A picture of Mary Rita (Flores) Gambrell was displayed at the 101st birthday celebration of Thomas Gambrell Sr at the HEARTS Veteran Museum of Texas. They were married on July 6, 1947, and remained married until her death on June 1, 2021.
Liesa Hackett, HEARTS Museum Board Secretary, takes a picture with Seaman First Class Thomas Gambrell Sr at his 101st birthday celebration at the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas. She helped plan and coordinate the birthday celebration.