Venable Village Elementary School opened in 1995 and is named after the Venable Village housing area at Fort Cavazos, Texas. This housing area was named for Command Sergeant Major Joseph A. Venable, a highly decorated veteran whose distinguished military career included a tour as Command Sergeant Major of the III Army Corps and Fort Cavazos. 

Command Sergeant Major
Joseph Alvin Venable

Joseph Alvin Venable was born in Bristol, Louisiana on September 15, 1920.  He was the son of Monroe Venable and Electa Begnaud.  His family consisted of six boys and four girls.  With the exception of the first son, five of the boys had Joseph for their first name.  When he was nine, his family moved to Lafayette, Louisiana and resided on Clinton Street.  Along with his brother Merlin, and his sister, Frances, he was selected by his dad to plant and harvest crops until he joined the CC Camp at age seventeen.  He began his military career in 1940 by joining the Army. 

His military assignments included combat duty in World War II where he served with the 8th Infantry Regiment in the European Theater of Operations.  There he participated in five major campaigns and was wounded twice.  During the Korean Conflict, he volunteered for combat duty and was assigned to the 5th Regimental Combat Team.  He took part in three campaigns before coming the 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood in 1955.  He also served tours at Fort Hood as post sergeant major.  In the late 1960’s, he took an assignment in Vietnam under the command of General Ware.  He was killed in a helicopter crash on Friday, September 13, 1968.  

The Legion of Merit Award (First Oak Leaf Cluster), the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal of Valor (First Oak Leaf Cluster), the Air Medal (Ninth Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Commendation Ribbon, the Purple Heart (Second Oak Leaf Cluster), and Combat Infantryman’s Badge with two stars were some of the decorations awarded CSM Venable.

CSM Venable was married to the former Connie Ruth Miller of Cisco, Texas on May 23, 1950 in Carlsbad, New Mexico.  They had three children: Cynthia, Pam, and Joseph II.  

CSM Venable was buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.  CSM Venable honored our country by serving 28 years in the Army, with Fort Hood as his home base.  As a result of his dedication and commitment, his memory will be honored through the school and community of Venable Village.