Samuel F. Gentry was born August 21, 1948, and grew up in Lubbock, Texas. He served in Vietnam from March of 1971 until January of 1972. He was a specialist, fourth class in the Americal Division serving as an airborne infantryman. Later in 1971, after the Americal Division was deactivated and sent home, Gentry was reassigned to the 101st Airborne Division to finish his tour. He served in Chu Lai, Da Nang, and Phu Bai. While in the military he earned the National Defense Service Medal, anOverseas Service Bar, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, and Parachutist Badge. Gentry eventually left the service as a sergeant. In 1973, he began his studies at Texas Tech University, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelors of Science in Recreation Administration and Park Administration. All four years he attended TTU he was the Intramural Handball Champion. He has one daughter, Paige Gentry.
