Captain Billy Sandifer was a renowned conservationist and environmentalist based in Flour Bluff, Corpus Christi, Texas. He was adopted and raised by his grandparents on a 368-acre farm southwest of Agua Dulce, Texas, where he learned the value of hard work from a young age. His early life was marked by labor-intensive work, including picking cotton in the fields alongside migrant workers. Sandifer served in Vietnam in 1966, 1967, 1969, and 1970, where he was exposed to Agent Orange, leading to several health issues in his later years. Despite his health challenges, Sandifer dedicated his life to conservation and environmental work, particularly focusing on the coastal bend area. He is best known for his work in organizing cleanups of the Padre Island National Seashore, an initiative that grew significantly over the years.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Captain Billy Sandifer, conducted by Jen Brown on March 16, 2017, provides an in-depth look into Sandifer's life, his work in conservation, and the environmental history of the coastal bend. The interview begins with Sandifer sharing his early life experiences, including his upbringing on a farm and his service in Vietnam. The conversation then shifts to Sandifer's significant contributions to environmental conservation. He discusses the challenges and successes of organizing cleanups of the Padre Island National Seashore, an initiative that started with 300 volunteers and grew to 750 over the years. Sandifer also shares his views on the importance of conservation and the potential consequences of neglecting the environment. The interview provides valuable insights into Sandifer's dedication to conservation, his approach to overcoming obstacles, and his vision for the future of environmental work. It serves as a rich resource for understanding the environmental history of the coastal bend and the role of individual initiative in conservation efforts.