Page 59 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2026 - Online Magazine

History of
LUBBOCK
“ FREEDOM ISN'T FREE:”

One Man’s Mission

to Remember

by LaVila Henry

hen most people think of history, they picture
dusty textbooks or faded black-and-white
Wphotos. But for Chase Gabriel, history lives
in color—in the stories, faces, and courage of the men
and women who shaped the world we live in today.

What began as a childhood fascination has become a
lifelong passion—and a personal mission—to preserve
the memories of those who served during the world’s
most defining conflicts.

Chase Gabriel’s love for history can be traced back to
one special person—his grandmother, Jane Carter.

“She always knew I was interested in history, and she
was too,” Chase says with a smile. “One of her favorite
pastimes was going to estate sales.”
It was at one of those estate sales in San Angelo, Texas,
when Chase was just 12 years old, that the spark was lit.
Wandering through the tables of old household items,
he noticed a few pieces of military memorabilia. Drawn Chase Gabriel
to their mystery and weight of history, he decided to
buy them.
Chase is quick to credit his grandmother for helping his
“I was always a history buff,” he recalls. “But at that passion grow. “I look up to my grandmother highly,”
time, I didn’t think about researching the people behind he says. “We have a really great relationship. She’s been
the items like I do now.”
one of the most influential people in my life.”
What began as a child’s curiosity soon evolved into When his parents thought the hobby might be a passing
something much deeper.
phase, Jane Carter was unwavering in her belief that

Lubbock Senior Link 59