Thomas Twitty
| Residing In | Homosassa, FL USA |
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| Spouse/Partner | Linda (married Aug 19th 1966) |
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| Homepage |
www.combatvets.net/231st |
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| Occupation | retired, Printer, Realtor, Developer |
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| Children | Mike Twitty, Marnie Blackwood, 4 grandkids |
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| Military Service | Army 231st Transportation / Vietnam  |
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Thomas' Latest Interactions
I, too, was a Sailor in the Vietnam War, so we had a lot in common. Linda and I had our 1st child, Mike who was less than a year old when we were called up.
Back in the early 70s, after my return from the war, I started an advertising business named Ink & Ideas. John stopped by to discuss his client account, "Imperial Movers," and we worked together to produce the company Brochure. We used our family's new Delprado Home with models Linda and our kids Mike and Marnie and our golden retriever named "Goldie", of course. It was a great success for John's customers, but we lost touch in the following years when he left the state. I was happy he returned shortly after our 60th reunion and resettled in nearby Ocala.
Had the pleasure of attending Dave and Nola Gibson wedding Aug 18th at thier home in New Port Richey.
It was a wonderful event even with David being in failing health. It was also a pre-life Celebration because Hospoice was already on the job. Dave was smiling the entire time and was attended for neighbors and a few of Dave's close friends. Linda and I were honored to be invited and witness the event. A Sit Down Wedding in thier back yard garden was perfect. Also witnesesed by thier giant Tortus for lack of knowing it's name we will call him Romain for that what he ate everyday. Expensive DIet and Organic of Course.
RIP David Gibison my friend from 4th Grade Pasadena Elementry.
T J Twitty
Posted on: Jan 29, 2022 at 12:07 PM
Posted on: Jan 29, 2022 at 12:03 PM
Posted on: Jan 29, 2022 at 12:01 PM
Wally was one of the Best!
I have known Wally and Fran, since grade school. I will attempt to tell a toung in cheek story about an adventure I had with Wally Bean.
Like many of us young men in the 60's, we sought safety from the Draft and the Vietnam War.
But when push came to shove, Tampa Bay Reserve Units offered some options. So here is some Military History about Spc 5 Wally Bean, a fellow Veteran Brother: Most of us joined the reserves in the early or mid-1960s. It was a piece of cake, and we would never be called to active duty as an Army Small Boat Unit.
Long story, after about 4-5 years we got called up! Wow, what a shock to say the least.
Wally sailed with the Army Reserves from St. Petersburg, known as the 231st LCM Boat Unit, to Vietnam in May 1968. It was a fun-filled 18 Months, ultimately spending a year living with six guys per boat (19 LCM Landing Craft Boats) with a handbuilt plywood cabin on the rear of this 28' x74ft steel hull. The mission "that Wally could not refuse" drum roll - deliver Aimmo and Beer to all the out bases in the Mekong Delta without losing a man. Cockswain (Small Boat Cpt.) Bean fulfilled his mission and brought his crew back to St. Pete, basically unscathed from enemy fire. After leaving Vietnam, the Army did an inventory of Beer Pallets lost. After Army Audit, some "bean" counter determined over 400 Pallets of Beer had been lost at Sea (Wonder How That Happened, joke!)
The Army Brass noted that losing several tons of beer was a small price to pay. Because of the level-headed leaders like Cockswain Wally Bean with his Superior Seamanship and multi-talented crew the Company received a Presidental Unit Citation as moving the most cargo thru enemy-infested waterways in 1968-69.
Wally's said his boat only misplaced /lost about 10,000 cans of beer only to be outdone by Kim Smiths' crew class of Bogie 1963 running Miss Budweiser. He noted that his crew has a strict diet of 12 packs per man per day. They were very healthy and in excellent shape on return to the states. We heard about Wally passing in January and have not raised a glass to this Hero and others because of the COVID. The survivors of the 231st have some catching up to do. We lost 5 of our Vets in 2021 so far—most from Agent Orange Complications & and one COVID.
Rest in Peace Wally and all the men who have passed from the Army 231st Reserves Boat Unit St. Petersburg and Tampa. The unit has a website at www.CombatVets.com/231st if you are interested in Vietnam War Stories.
(Over 750 photos and five movies).
This remembrance was w\itten with motivation from several glasses of wine.
My English teacher felt sorry for me and wanted me to move on.
Tom Twitty
Posted on: Jun 20, 2021 at 12:30 PM
Come visit us at Sugarmill Woods Homosassa. Enjoy the Rivers or Play some golf. We are always up to welcome Bogie Mates. Nearby Neighbors, Jack Calbeck, Dixie Hollins, Gary Glover.
Happy Belated BD.
Have you heard from Gary Glover?
Sad to say Silas Dents is no longer. Attended closing party hosted by Debby and Rob Stambaugh to toast their sale of location that will be a totally new concept. However, Rob and Debby will still keep the catering and wedding business that is located in the same shopping center. A good time was had by all as we enjoyed the memories. Even Barney the Clown was there that entertained many of our kids over the years. Here is the final goodbye from Silas that was the painting in the men's room created by Rick McCormick.
Sorry to hear about David. He was a great photographer and did one hell of a job on our 50th reunion at Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg. I met with David several times at my condo when we developed the Original Website and later on follow up of the Reunion photos. He liked to meet at Ernestine’son Gulf to Bay in Clearwater, his favorite coffee house. He was always very humble and willing to help out in any way. RIP David Ewart my friend.
Tom Twitty
Judy was a sweetheart and will be missed by all her Classmates.
Posted on: Feb 26, 2017 at 7:27 AM
Linda and I working the Campaign Trail for our son Mike Twitty. Running for Property Appraiser Pinellas County. Check out his progress at www.MikeTwitty.com
Thomas' Photo Gallery
