Father-Son Duo Honored for Military Service at Humboldt Heroes Event

In an unprecedented celebration, the Humboldt Heroes program will honor both a father and son for their military service on Friday, December 1, 2023. The event will take place at noon in the lobby of the Eureka Inn, located at 518 Seventh Street in Eureka, California. This month’s honorees are Clemente Cantu and his son, Roy Cantu, who have dedicated their lives to serving their country through their respective branches of the armed forces.

Clemente Cantu’s Legacy

Clemente Cantu was born in February 1929 in Casper, Wyoming. His family later relocated to Alturas, California, where he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948. At just 19 years old, he found limited opportunities in the post-World War II era but chose to serve. He was stationed in Italy as part of the occupational forces, where he played the trumpet in an infantry and band unit.

In 1949, while in Trieste, Italy, Clemente met his future wife, Maria. The couple returned to the United States in 1952 after Clemente was honorably discharged. The family moved to Humboldt County in 1973, where Clemente took on a management role as the shop maintenance supervisor for the National Guard. He served as the first sergeant in Eureka and retired in 1989 after an impressive 41 years of service.

Following the passing of his beloved wife Maria in 2019, after 76 years of marriage, Clemente has remained a vibrant member of the community. He is a former member of the Red Bluff Elks Lodge #1250 and the Eureka VFW Post 1872, where he served as Post Commander. He has also held the presidency of the Humboldt Amateur Radio Club, known as HARC. Clemente expresses gratitude for life in Humboldt County, appreciating its small-town charm.

Roy Cantu’s Naval Journey

Roy Cantu, born in Italy in October 1950, followed in his father’s footsteps by enlisting in the U.S. Navy on Veterans’ Day, November 11, 1968. He sought both a technical education and an opportunity to serve his country. Throughout his military career, Roy served aboard three nuclear ballistic missile submarines, completing a remarkable 13 patrols in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as a sonar/electronics technician.

Roy’s career progressed as he became the quality assurance supervisor/auditor for Submarine Squadron 7 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After completing his instructor training, he achieved the rank of master training specialist, teaching at the Fleet Submarine Warfare Center in San Diego. He retired as a chief petty officer in 1990 after serving for 21 years.

After his naval service, Roy worked as an acoustic test technician for International Transducer Corporation in Santa Barbara. He relocated to Eureka in 1994, where he met and married his wife, Lori. They celebrated their 40th anniversary in October 2023. In Eureka, Roy pursued various careers, including photography and web design, until his retirement in 2012. He enjoys life in Eureka for its closeness to family and friends, as well as its natural beauty.

The Humboldt Heroes program regularly honors local veterans on the last Friday of each month. Community members interested in nominating a veteran for recognition or sponsoring the ongoing program can contact State Farm insurance agent Scott Hammond at 707-444-2504.