Dr. Thomas D. Bourland Jr.

He holds the following degrees, memberships, and Honors: Bachelor of Arts: University of Miami, Doctor of Dental Surgery: University of Texas Dental Branch, Diplomate: American Board of General Dentistry

, Diplomate: Federal Services Board of General Dentistry, Master: Academy of General Dentistry, Life Member: American Dental Association, Life Member: Texas Dental Association, Life Member: Fort Worth District Dental Society, Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Dental Profession- Awarded 1993: Fort Worth District Dental Society, Life Member: Military Officers Association of America, Life Member: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Following graduation from dental school in 1959, Dr. Bourland was commissioned a First Lieutenant in the Air Force and was sent to basic training at Gunter AFB, Alabama. First duty assignment was George AFB, California. During the Berlin Wall Crisis, President Kennedy federalized a number of National Guard personnel. Dr. Bourland was sent to the 7367th USAF Dispensary (USAFE) in Chambley, France. His assignment was to augment the federalized Indiana Air National Guard. Dr. Bourland met his wife-to-be at Chambley. Isabelle Ruth Gaylord was a reserve Air Force Nurse and was recalled to active duty to supplement the nursing staff of this guard unit.

Thomas and Isabelle were married in a civil ceremony by the Mayor of Chambley, and later in a religious ceremony by the base chaplain.

Captain (Dr.) and Captain Isabelle (RN) separated from the Air Force and Dr. Bourland joined a private practice in El Paso, Texas. After one year in El Paso, Dr. Bourland returned to active duty with the U.S. Army. The first duty station was Fort Polk, Louisiana, where his first daughter, Ruth, was born. His next assignment was the 252nd Dental Detachment (KJ), a field team part of the 31st Field Hospital in Korat, Thailand. They provided medical support to the 9th Logistical Command and Air Force and Special Operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Following the one year tour in Thailand, Major (Dr.) Bourland attended the Army Medical Department Officer Advanced Course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. His next assignment was Officer-In-Charge of the dental clinic Oakland Army Base, California. One year later, he went to a two year general dentistry residency at Fort Ord California. His second daughter, Sandra, was born during the residency. Following completion of his residency, Dr. (LTC) Bourland went to Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland as Officer-In-Charge of the post dental service. After two years at Edgewood, the next assignment was Kirk Army Hospital, Aberdeen Proving Ground Maryland. He practiced fixed and removable prosthodontics for three years at the hospital. After five years in Maryland, the next assignment was Chief of Clinic, 89th Med Det, Karlsruhe, Germany. After three years in Germany, Colonel (Dr.) Bourland was posted to Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was in charge of Rhoades Dental Clinic and retired at Fort Sam Houston in 1982 in the grade of Colonel.

In April 1982, Dr. Bourland was hired by the City of Fort Worth Health Department as their Dental Coordinator. While with the Health Department, Dr. Bourland assisted with clinic design and selected the equipment for two new satellite dental clinics at North Tri-Ethnic Multi-Purpose Center and Worth Heights Multi-Purpose Center. He served the city for twelve years. In October 1994, the city transferred dental services to John Peter Smith Outpatient Services. Dr. Bourland worked for J.P.S for three years and retired in September, 1997 after 38 years in dentistry.

Dr. Bourland is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas D Bourland Sr. and Carolyn Palmer, wife Isabelle Ruth (Gaylord) Bourland.

He is survived by his sisters Carolyn Boozer and husband Johnny Boozer; Sandra Mansfield and husband Bill Mansfield; daughters Ruth Hosier and husband Ed Hosier and granddaughter McKenzie Hosier; and Sandy Wiebe and husband Wes Wiebe and grandson Jack Wiebe, as well as his nieces and nephews.