Public Information

Name

Harper, William (Bill)

Class

2002

Biography

(1927-2013) Born in Boston, MA, in 1927. Joined the U.S. Navy in 1944; served with distinction in WW II and Korea. Also took part in Atomic Tests at Bikini in Marshall Islands in 1946. Stricken with polio in 1953 and partially paralyzed since. Married, raised six children, and obtained B.A. in Business from Boston University in 1968. Active DAV, and served as state news editor for the Arizona VFW for 21 years. Served on the National Foundation of March of Dimes, helped for many years with Cancer Crusade, Heart Fund, and United Way. Started the “Forgotten War” Chapter of the Korean War Veterans, now known as the Arden Rowley Chapter. Commander of the Arizona National Association of Atomic Veterans for seven years, elected National Commander in 2002. First Chairman of the Arizona Veterans Advisory Board under Governor Babbitt which later became the Arizona Veterans’ Service Commission. Currently on State Board of Paralyzed Veterans of America, and State Board for the Post Polio Group of Arizona. Served 15 years on Governor’s Committee for Employment of the Handicapped; received Hon Kachina Award for volunteer work 2002.