Honoring Legacy Veteran Hero Dr. Earl Mabry

Our next U.S. Navy recipient was born in Mangum and raised in Altus graduating in 1937.  After graduating high school, our recipient attended the New Mexico Military Institute and began his military service in the Oklahoma National Guard.  Upon graduation, he was assigned with the 45th Infantry to guard President Roosevelt’s train.  The “Marco Polo” train was making several stops in Oklahoma as part of his presidential campaign.  The train stayed in Wister, McAlester, Shawnee and finally Oklahoma City and thus required 24-hour protection.  Roosevelt assumed the presidency at the depth of the great depression and wrapped up his time in Oklahoma with the following, “During these past six years the people of this Nation have said 'yes' to the old biblical question- ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ He sensed a great devotion to the teachings of the Scriptures, to the quickening of religion, to a greater willingness on the part of the individual to help his neighbor and to live less unto and for himself alone. That makes Oklahoma great, and America calls for a government with a soul.”  Through that, our veteran served his country and president.  What a way to serve in your first assignment in the US Army while on summer vacation.  

He went on to further his education and entered dental school in Kansas City.  Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Lt in the US Navy.  He commanded a dental clinic at the Naval Station Treasure Island, an auxiliary air facility for airships, blimps, planes and seaplanes.  Treasure Island was a man-made island originally constructed for an airport in San Francisco, but with the war looming, the Navy moved in.  During WWII over 12,000 men a day were processed there for the Pacific theater and thousands were processed for separation in the aftermath of the war.  It was a vital part of the success in the war effort on the stateside support of our overall mission.  

Following WWII, he moved to Enid and set up his dental practice but the military wasn’t through with his services.  He was called back to service by the US Air Force when the Korean War began, which at that time, had no doctors or dentists.  He was transferred to San Antonio and Orlando before returning to Enid honorably discharged in 1953.  He practiced dentistry for more than 50 years in Enid and served on the staff of all hospitals.  

He was instrumental in the establishment of the Garfield County Dental Association, was the editor of the Oklahoma Dental Journal and for two years was the national president of the American Association of Dental Editors.  Locally involved in church, boy scouts, police athletic league, coached football, baseball and basketball and served in leadership in the Exchange Club, American Business Club (now Noon Ambucs), the Rotary Club, Toastmasters, and Enid Writer’s Club.  He has also held numerous board positions including the YMCA, RSVP, Salvation Army and Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce.