Samouce, Warren, COL

     Colonel Warren A. "Sandy" Samouce, US Army Retired, was born in Washington, DC in 1932. He died unexpectedly on November 3, 2011 in Austin, Texas at St. David's Hospital at the age of 79. Sandy graduated from the United States Military Academy-West Point in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1960, he was awarded a Master of Arts in English from the University of Pennsylvania. His military education includes attendance at the Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas from 1966-67 and the Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base from 1971-72. Sandy was commissioned into Field Artillery and served in various appointments between 1954 and 1956 in artillery units of the 5th Infantry Division and 11th Airborne Division. In 1970, he was proud to command the 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery, 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam. In 1974, Sandy became the Division Artillery Commander of the 101st Airborne Division in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Extensive military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with numeral 9, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze service star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze service stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device and the Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device and Oak Leaf Cluster. 
     Sandy retired from the United States Army after 22 years of decorated military service in 1976. He settled with his family in Fort Worth, Texas where he began his second career with Bell Helicopter Textron. Sandy was the International Marketing Manager for the V22-Osprey, (the revolutionary form of air travel for both military and civilian transport, combining traditional fixed wing and rotary aircraft technologies). His position with Bell afforded him and his wife the opportunity to travel the world including a three year assignment in Singapore.
     In 1997, Sandy retired from Bell Helicopter and built a beautiful home in Lakeway, Texas, where he has enjoyed a very active and full life for the last 14 years. Sandy's home was a constant site of activity where he loved to entertain friends and family. Sandy has many great friends in Lakeway. He was active in Rotary, the Alumni Newcomers Club and many other social organizations. 
     Sandy leaves behind his beloved wife Judy, and 55 wonderful years of marriage and his three children; Mike Samouce of Austin Texas and his wife Carol, Rob Samouce of Naples Florida and his wife Cathy, and his daughter Kim Mineo of San Antonio Texas and her husband Chris. Sandy was blessed with 7 grandchildren whom he spent time with and loved dearly; Kyle, Eric and Kelly Samouce of Austin, Stephen and Christopher Samouce of Florida and Cameron and Grace Mineo of San Antonio. He is also survived by his brother Dusty Samouce of Sula Montana, and his sister Ann Russell and husband Tom of Richmond Virginia.
     Sandy was a talented poet and writer. After encouragement from family and friends, he completed his fictional novel, "The Chinese Correction". This exciting page turner which draws from his military experiences was published this September 2011.
     Sandy had a great love of travel. Recent adventures this past year included excursions with friends to Hawaii and Colorado. Judy and Sandy celebrated their 55th wedding Anniversary September 29th at Catalina Island, California. The two were constantly planning their next great journey and encouraging all those they cherished to join them.
     Sandy had a great love of animals; his dog Shine was always by his side and his cat Sugar was always looking for affection which he would gladly oblige.
     Sandy was a humble and caring person, always concerned for others and rarely concerned for himself. He always lived his life to the fullest with special focus on bringing joy to his friends, his family and his dear wife Judy.
     A funeral mass for Sandy was held in Lakeway at the Emmaus Catholic Church on Veterans Day, 2011. Final internment occured at Arlington National Cemetery, February 23rd, in Washington, DC with full military honors befitting a great man who lived his life for Duty, Honor and Country.