Bill McBride Proved His Leadership as a Marine in Vietnam

Photo credit: Barnett, Bolt, Kirkwood, Long & McBride law firm

Bill McBride volunteered for the Marine Corps and Vietnam in 1968 – which defined his character and life.

Tampa attorney McBride died Saturday while spending the holidays in North Carolina. He is being memorialized by family, friends and colleagues at a Tampa service Dec. 28, 2012.

McBride was a loving father and husband and will be remembered for the strides he made as a former managing partner of Holland & Knight and more recently as senior partner of the law firm of Barnett, Bolt, Kirkwood, Long & McBride.

As a novice political candidate, McBride also will be remembered for his relentless spirit yet unsuccessful campaign against incumbent Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

It was during that 2002 campaign that a fellow Marine and Vietnam veteran Ralph Quallen, nicknamed Heavy, came to Florida on his own to campaign for McBride.

A Marine’s Loyalty and Leadership

Reactions to the Death of Retired Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf

(George H.W. Bush riding in a Humvee with General Schwarzkopf in Saudi Arabia, November 22, 1990) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Former President H. W. Bush

Barbara and I mourn the loss of a true American patriot and one of the great military leaders of his generation. A distinguished member of that ‘Long Gray Line’ hailing from West Point, Gen. Norm Schwarzkopf, to me, epitomized the ‘duty, service, country’ creed that has defended our freedom and seen this great nation through our most trying international crises. More than that, he was a good and decent man – and a dear friend. Barbara and I send our condolences to his wife, Brenda, and his wonderful family.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta