Valentine’s with Veterans
Love is in the air and nowhere more so than our Texas State Veterans Homes across the state. These Veteran couples are living out their golden years, and it’s clear that they’re more in love than ever. From heartfelt stories about how they first met to lessons they’ve learned through their marriage over the years, read below to learn the stories of these Veteran couples who have been married for 70+ years.
Juanita and James Devine-Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home, El Paso, Texas
In 1946, Juanita Mae Brown was working at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington Kentucky Hospital as a candy striper. A handsome young man, James Devine was visiting his grandfather in that very hospital when they had a chance encounter. Juanita was carrying a bedpan to a patient’s room when they ran into each other on February 12, 1946. Mr. Devine says it was love at first sight.
Mr. Devine didn’t “formally” propose to Mrs. Devine. One afternoon, after seeing a movie and taking a stroll downtown, Mr. Devine said, “Let’s go and get you a ring, you are the girl I am going to marry.” They were married on August 23rd of 1946, in a preacher’s study in Cumberland Falls Lexington Kentucky, which is referred to as the “Niagara Falls of Kentucky .”
Mr. Devine served in the United States Army for three years in his early military career. He served in World War II and received the World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, American Occupational Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Devine went to Officers Training School at Lackland Airforce Base. When he graduated he was commissioned as an officer of the United States Airforce. Mr. Devine was stationed at Ft Huachuca, AZ, White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. He served in the Air Force for a total of 17 years.
She liked traveling throughout the United States while caring for her four wonderful children: Darrel, Michael, Melanie, and Sherilyn. Mr. and Mrs. Devine have been happily married for 73 years.
Glenna and John Bremer-Ussery Roan Texas State Veterans Home, Amarillo, Texas
John and Glenna Bremer met on an Easter Sunday in 1945. One of John’s friends set them up on a blind date, where they went to The Aviatrix Ballroom and talked the night away getting to know one another.
Approximately eight months later John proposed on the front porch swing at Glenna’s home and told her, “I Love You” in German. They were married on November 21st, 1945 at Polk Street Methodist Church. They have been happily married for 74 years. They have two daughters, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Mr. Bremer served in the United States Army Air-Corps from 1942 to 1945. He initially served as a First Engineer Top Turret Gunner on the B-17 Aircraft then later served as a Waist Gunner. On his 21st mission, John was wounded which resulted in him earning The Purple Heart Medal which was pinned by General Eisenhower. Ultimately, John went on to fly 30 missions. He received the Distinguished Service Cross Medal and four Air Medals.
The Bremers have been happily residing at Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home together since November of 2016.
Jean and Floyd Young-Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home, Bonham, Texas
In August 1943, Floyd and Jean Young met at a Baptist revival in Weston, Texas. Jean was 15 years old, and Floyd was 17. Two weeks later, Floyd and Jean saw each other at a service station, and Floyd asked Jean on a date. After Jean asked for her parents’ permission, the two began dating.
While they were dating, Floyd was drafted into the Air Force. He came home on leave in December of 1945, and the couple was married on December 22, 1945 at a Baptist preacher’s home in Sherman, Texas.
After their wedding, Mr. Young served in the Aleutian Islands until he was discharged from the Air Force in 1946. Mr. and Mrs. Young’s advice for other couples is that “it takes two to have a good marriage.”
Marion and Harold Williamson-Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home, Floresville, Texas
Harold and Marion Williamson have been married since September 22, 1953. They have resided at the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home in Floresville since 2018.
Harold met Marion at a restaurant in San Antonio where Marion was a waitress. That restaurant soon became Harold’s favorite restaurant. He knew “she was the one” the first time he saw her, and he “really knew she was the one” after getting a chance to talk to her.
Mrs. Williamson faithfully moved with him several times during his military service. The only time she could not be with him was when he was stationed in Vietnam. He served in both the Army and the Air Force.
When asked the secret to staying married so long, Harold replied “total commitment — people need more of this today.”
Carmelita and Rudy Delgado-William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home, Temple, Texas
Mr. and Mrs. Delgado met after a football game when they joined up with friends. Carmelita’s friend took her there to meet Rudy, and it was love at first sight.
Right after they married, Carmelita and Rudy lived in Alaska for three years. After that, they moved back to El Paso where they lived until he retired from the United States Army.
They describe their marriage as a simple, very happy life together.
To learn more about our Texas State Veterans Homes across the state, visit https://www.vlb.texas.gov/veterans-homes/index.html
