LEON OF THE 78TH FBS HAD THE DISTINCTION OF BEING THE CREW CHIEF FOR COL. SIMPSON FROM 1956 UNTIL DECEMBER, 1959. WHILE AT THE GROVE HE MET LIFE LONG FRIENDS LIKE PEACHES AND KNAPP AND OTHERS NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. AFTER RETURNING TO THE STATES HE WORKED INSTALLING PLUMBING ON FIRE TRUCKS AND ATTENDED L A TECH TRADE SCHOOL TO BE MECHINIST. THEN WORKED FOR MCDONNELL DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT FOR 10 YEARS. THEN IN 1974 WENT WITH CIVIL SERVICE AND WAS IN THE NAVAL RESERVES. HE RETIRED FROM THERE IN 1994.
LEON'S FIRST WIFE GAVE HIM TWO SONS AND TWO DAUGHTERS. SHE DIED OF CANCER JANUARY 26,1995 AT AGE 48. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS AND SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL ENCOUNTERS LEON BEGAN WRITING TO OLGA WHO WAS IN RUSSIA. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF COMMUNICATING HE WENT TO RUSSIA AND HE AND OLGA LIKED EACH OTHER AND WERE MARRIED AND MOVED BACK TO YUCCA VALLEY CA. THEY NOW LIVE IN FRESNO, CA AND LEON IS ATTENDING SCHOOL TO BE A CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATOR. HE ALSO HAS SOME PILLS OR SOMETHING THAT MAKES HIM LOOK YOUNGER THAN MOST OF US OLD GROVERS.