Born in San Antonio, March 17, 1942, growing up in south Texas, his family moved to Houston in 1957 where he graduated from Bellaire High class of 61.
Enrolled at the University of Houston (fall 61) where he participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). September 1966 at the height of the Viet Nam War he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Ordinance Corp. He served three years on active duty: Korea 1967-1968 during the “Pueblo Crisis”as Company Commander of Company “A” 707, Maintenance Battalion. Upon his return to the U.S., he was assigned as Company Commander of Company “A” 124th Maintenance Battalion at Ft. Hood, Texas. He served as a Captain his last year of active duty. Award included: Army Commendation Medal (Meritorious Service), Army Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Korean Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
After his tour of duty, Sam returned to the University of Houston and received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1972 and has worked in the Commercial and Industrial Air Conditioning and Refrigeration field for over 36 years. He is currently employed by the Letsos Company in Houston.
Sam is a member and past President of the San Jacinto Chapter 31, past President of the San Jacinto Foundation and is currently serving as President General. He was honored by several President Generals lists, Certificates of Appreciation and The Sons of the Republic of Texas Distinguished Service Award.
Sam’s love for Texas History has taken him down many roads. He is a member of the “Texian Volunteers” and the Rolling Thunder Canon Crew promoting the history of the Republic of Texas through period dress and the firing of black powder canons and rifles. The group has attended numerous ceremonies, parades and events all over the state at public schools, court houses, libraries, state parks and final resting places of some of our famous Texas Heroes. He was active in the Stephen F. Austin tree planting program, helped contact county officials to set up tree plantings.
While at Ft. Hood, Sam met his wife of 38 years, Delores Ann Doss. They have a son and daughter who reside and work in the Houston area. Sam has served his local church as both a Deacon and an Elder for over 27 years.
