Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024

Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:

Navy/Air Force Veteran Delbert “Bert” Goben, Age 60 of Saint Joseph, MO.
Died Oct. 2, 2009

LTjg Delbert “Bert” Goben. NSCC October 22, 1948 – October 2, 2009.

He was a Vietnam Veteran, he was assigned to USS CHARA AE31, he spent time in Danang, Cau-Viet & in Dong-ha on board mine sweeps and also supply/cargo watercraft in the dangerous river deltas of Vietnam.

He served in the United States Navy & then the United States Air Force until he was discharged in 1974. He enlisted in 1964, at the age of 16. He lied about his age, and when it was found out, he was taken back to his father. Who said if he wants to join, let him see what a man is, and he signed the papers. His daughter says “I have been told my father was one of the youngest to sign up for the United States Navy.”

His daughter also said;
“My dad was a member of USNSCC O.L. Crandall Division, rising to the position of Commanding Officer in 2008. He was also the founder and president of Vietnam Veterans Of America – Saint Joseph Missouri Chapter #638. He was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America and was a life member of V.F.W. Post #6760.

My dad passed away after a battle with Lung Cancer. He passed away at home on October 2, 2009, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. He was 60.”

It was a great honor to walk 6.22 Miles with Navy/Air Force Veteran Delbert “Bert” Goben. We started out by walking by Holiday Hills Lake. We then walked by Cumberland County High School and took photo’s of the Navy Blue Angels Jet. We then headed towards town and made a stop at the Veterans Memorial Park. We spent some time at the park. We read all 150 names on the big Memorial Wall. After looking at all the memorials we headed north and made a stop at the train depot for a photo. We continued north and turned back west once we reached the Bakery. After visiting with someone coming out of Kroger’s we then headed back to the house. We had an amazing walk. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero. We had 245 honks. It was amazing. Thank you !