The former publisher of the Konawa Leader (now owned by the Seminole Producer), proudly served his country in the United States Military during the Vietnam War era.

Captain Leland “Ed” Gallagher graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1968. He attended Officer Schools in Ft. Bliss then was deployed overseas.

Gallagher was part of the HAWK Missile Battery that was stationed 10 kilometers from NamYang, first as Assistant Firing Platoon Leader, then Firing Platoon Leader and finally Battery Commander. His battery was named “Best in the Battalion” by Lt. General Mock.

According to Gallagher, the “Remember the Pueblo” Battalion had snipers in an attempt to capture the “Blue House” in Seoul.

Gallagher married his wife, Betty Comstock, at Center Chapel in Ft. Bliss, Texas in August 1969. They have two grown daughters, Krista and Jennifer of Stillwater.