Roy Wilson McAbee and Luella Annie McAbee met during the mid 1940's while he was in the service and she was working for Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Both were very proud and honored to be a part of the war effort and help their country win victory.

Born Roy Wilson McAbee on October 18th, 1918 in Memphis, Texas, he entered into The United States Army Air Forces on May 27, 1944, with an occupation as an airplane and engine mechanic 747. Upon his Honorable Discharge as a Sergeant on March 29, 1946, from The 17th Bomb Squad 16th Bomb GP, his accomplishments and credits in service included battles and campaign "air offensive Japan Western Pacific, with decorations and citations of "Good conduct medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal and Victory Medal. He stayed in Seattle working on base for the Navy Department in Production Control and that is when he met, courted and eventually married Luella Annie Hassman on February 17, 1949. The couple moved to California and Roy worked at the Alameda Naval Base until his death on February 6, 1970.

Born Luella Annie Hassman in Denhawkin County, Texas, on July 31, 1922, Lu was a spirited woman and loved her country and the freedoms she enjoyed. In 1942 at the age of 20, she requested a Social Security Card so she could "Stay working to help her country win the war". She worked for Boeing in Seattle as an Aircraft Riveter, but was better know as a Ball Turret Babe. There is also record of her working on engines for the Webster-Brinkley Company in Seattle as well.

The couple moved to California and became proprietors of The Rio Motel in Oakland, California for many years until right before the death of Roy in 1970. I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Luella from 1990 until her death on March 26, 2003. I am sorry to say I never met Roy, but know that he was an exceptional man, according to his loving wife.

I feel it an honor to have Roy and Luella's names forever engraved on the Wall of Honor recognizing their accomplishments in aviation history that made an impact towards the freedoms that we are privileged to have today, and that future generations may continue to enjoy.