Page 97 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2023 - Online Magazine

navy
World War ii

Oklahoma had been the slow, in-depth process of returning Harvey’s
completed in 1943 remains to his family. Escorted by Lieutenant
and that the remains Commander Mia Marbella and the U.S. Navy Honor
of those who had Guard, Harvey landed peacefully at Preston Smith
been trapped inside International Airport on Thursday, March 22, 2023.
were buried in mass
graves in Honolulu, Alongside
Hawaii, located atop Jerry, Harvey’s
a volcano known as family,
“The Punch Bowl.” members of
Throughout his adult years, Jerry maintained contact the U.S. Navy,
with the US Navy to keep up with the status of new the VFW,
developments regarding the identification of the the Patriot
sailors’ remains. Guard Riders,
several law
Jerry had begun to wonder if he would ever be able enforcement
to fulfill the promise that he had made so many officers, and
years ago, when hope finally dawned. In 2015, the numerous
Department of Defense, using advancements in DNA proud veterans,
forensics, finally began the daunting and tedious
task of the identification process, one bone at a time.
Jerry, now, Jerry Johnson, Sr., and a Vietnam veteran
who had served a lengthy career in law enforcement
with the Department of Public Safety, wasted no
time in submitting his own DNA to a defense
laboratory in Omaha, Nebraska, where the remains
of the unidentified sailors were being examined. wisdom inspired senior education
What had once seemed like a hopeless endeavor was
renewed with possibilities. A six-year waiting period A place for
began.
seniors to
On July 22, 2021, due to the perseverance and
countless hours of labor from a team of experts, and belong!
the dedication and determination of one loyal man, Join Lake Ridge’s W.I.S.E.
EM1 Harvey Christopher Herber’s remains were (Wisdom Inspired Senior
identified.
Education) group for
Shortly after receiving this long-awaited news, Jerry dinners, events, and
st
rd
began to discuss with LakeRidge Chapel how to workshops on the 1 and 3 ©2021 MKJ Marketing
create a celebration encompassing every intricately Tuesday of every month.
important detail worthy of the monumental event. Topics include:
It took almost two years to physically transport
Harvey from Omaha, Nebraska to Lubbock, Texas, • Health & Wellness
where he could finally be laid to rest in a location • Safety & Prevention
where his surviving family members would be able • Changes As We Age PRESENTED
BY
to pay their respects. Join us as we LAKE RIDGE
ha l & emo ia esigne
continue to WISE up!
In March 2023, Jerry Johnson, Sr., the U.S. Navy, and
Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers began Event coordinator: (806) 698-8085
Laura Landes memorialdesigners.net/wise

Lubbock Senior Link 97