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Coming at You From the Grande Voiture du Virginie |
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Grand Voiture du Virginia Grand Chef de Gare 2009-2010
Crawford Braswell
Born in Bethel, NC in February of 1928, Crawford “Bras” Braswell attended grade school in both Bethel, NC and Princess Anne County (now Virginia Beach). At the Princess Anne County Training School, Bras left high school just before graduation in order to work. He held a few odd jobs before he came in the military.
While serving in the US Army, Bras passed through Wake Island, Japan, Alaska, Greenland, and England. He also spent two years in Korea and one year in Viet Nam. While on active duty overseas, Bras lost four toes to a 16-horsepower lawn mower at Chaumont Air Force Base in France. After 22 years in the service, Bras gave it up and retired. In 1973, he went from Army retirement to Norfolk Naval Shipyard where he worked for another 17 years before retiring again.
Bras has been a paid-up-for-life member of the Disabled American Veterans since 1973. He is also a paid-up-for-life member of both The American Legion and the 40 and 8.
Crawford Braswell was part of a group that revitalized The American Legion George Washington Carver Post 81 in Virginia Beach. Through his efforts and the efforts of others, the Post was given its new charter on February 19, 1994. He held several offices throughout his years at Post 81. Bras was also nominated as the Historian for the 2nd District.
Crawford Braswell was wrecked on March 27, 1999 at Voiture Locale 449 of Richmond. He became a Voyageur Militaire of Tidewater Voiture Locale 86 on that day. Since then, Bras has held the following offices in the 40 & 8: Grande Historien, Sous Conducteur Nationale, Grande Lampiste, Locale Guarde de la Porte, Grande Directeur Voiture Activities, Grande Conducteur, Locale Chef de Train, Locale Chef de Gare, Grande Sous Chef de Train, Grande Directeur Boxcar, and Grande Chef de Train. Serving as your Grande Chef de Gare this year, he also serves as Aumonier for Tidewater Voiture Locale 86. |
