Alvin Roman

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Alvin Roman who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Alvin was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Alvin knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Alvin was born on March 25, 1929 in New Bedford, Massachusetts. His parents were Horace and Marion Roman. Even as a youngster, Alvin learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Alvin was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sargeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Alvin was raised with three siblings- two older brothers, Constantine and Albert and one older sister, Virginia. Alvin had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Alvin, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Alvin's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Alvin enjoyed being a part of teams and organizations where other kids shared similar interests. He was a movie theater usher, and in his spare time he liked to play the coronet as a young boy.

In school, Alvin was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Alvin was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Alvin’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from New Bedford High School.

Alvin was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Alvin was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Alvin came to expect his high standards of performance. Even though blunt and very forward about thing he meant wel, even though his bark was harsher than his bite. While growing up, some of his best friends were Francis, Emily Rose, and Gina. Later in life, he became friends with Alvaro & Michelle Teixeira, Barnie & Yoshi Heidt, Lowe & Mala Rogers, Walt Winters, the "Old Timer" & Family, and Special Forces Group- Chapter 51.

An objective and conscientious individual, Alvin reveled in the security of his family. Alvin married Soune Thone Luangkhot on May 26, 1975, in Vientian, Laos. One of Alvin’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Alvin was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. He had very high standards for his daughters. Alvin would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Alvin was blessed with two daughters, Rika and Elizabeth. He was also blessed with five grandchildren: Eva, Robert, Ian, Kinder and Liiam.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Alvin was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Alvin was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Alvin upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a Foreign Service Officer. He proudly served for 20 years in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the Green Beret and 20 years by the United States Department of State. Alvin was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Alvin was an Army veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the 101st ABN Div Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; 5th Special Forces Group Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; 1st Special Forces Group Okinawa. Alvin saw action for WWII, Vietnam War, Korean War, and Secret Laos War. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of E7, Sergeant First Class. He received several awards recognizing him for his heroism, including a Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal with Japan Clasp, and Vietnam Combat Medal with "V" for Valor. He served with honor and made sure everyone knew he was a Green Beret.

Alvin approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were watching war movies, baking, talk radio, and debating about politics and sports. Alvin was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Alvin to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included golf, swimming, walking, and working out. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and wrestling, but he was a true Olympian at heart, watching all events.

Being generous with his time and energy, Alvin liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Alvin joined the Army Band, where he played the trumpet. Throughout his later years, Alvin was an active member of the YMCA, and the Las Vegas Special Forces Group, Chapter 51.

A civic-minded person, Alvin was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Alvin was active in several community organizations and served on committees for the Special Forces Group Parade. Alvin applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and was an asset to most committees.

Faith was important to Alvin. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Alvin used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Alvin had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included La Playa Granada, Spain; New Bedford, Massachusetts; Washington DC; and Thailand.

Alvin was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Alvin’s favorites was Olivia, a Chinese Pug dog. They were best friends for eight years.

When Alvin’s retirement finally arrived on May 21, 1986, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, he found new pleasure in swimming at the YMCA, walks at the mall, and Special Forces Group activities. In many ways, Alvin loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities such as visiting local casinos and enjoying buffets.

Alvin passed away on March 5, 2011 at home and was pronounced at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada after fighting a long, brave battle against various ailments. He is survived by his beloved wife, Soune; daughters, Rika and Elizabeth; grandchildren: Eva, Robert, Ian, Kinder, and Liiam; and niece, Lucille. Services were held at Palm Mortuary, Eastern Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

All who knew him would agree that Alvin was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Alvin Roman did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

He was a soldier for life.