A unique tribute will take place on Friday as father and son, Roy Cantu and his father, Clemente Cantu, are set to be honored during the monthly Humboldt Heroes ceremony for their dedicated military service. This marks the first time that both a father and son will receive recognition at this event.
Clemente Cantu: A Legacy of Service
Clemente Cantu, born in February 1929 in Casper, Wyoming, faced limited opportunities in his hometown. In 1948, at the age of 19, he enlisted in the Army, serving in post-World War II Italy as part of the occupational forces. He was assigned to an infantry and band unit, where he showcased his musical talent as a trumpet player.
In 1949, Clemente married his wife, Maria, in Trieste, Italy. The couple returned to the United States in 1952 with their newborn son, Roy, following Clemente’s honorable discharge from the Army. The family relocated to Humboldt County in 1973, after living in Redding, California.
Clemente continued his commitment to service by becoming a manager and shop maintenance supervisor for the National Guard, eventually serving as the company’s first sergeant in Eureka. He retired in 1989 after dedicating an impressive 41 years to military service. Following the death of his wife in 2019, Clemente remains an active member of the community, having previously held positions with the Red Bluff Elks Lodge #1250 and the Eureka VFW Post 1872, where he served as Post Commander. Additionally, he was the president of the Humboldt Amateur Radio Club.
Clemente expresses his gratitude for life in Humboldt County, appreciating its small-town atmosphere.
Roy Cantu: Continuing the Family Tradition
Roy Cantu, born in Italy in October 1950, followed in his father’s footsteps by enlisting in the Navy on Veterans Day, November 11, 1968. He sought a technical education while serving his country, much like his father.
During his military career, Roy served aboard three nuclear ballistic missile submarines, completing 13 patrols in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as a sonar and electronics technician. His dedication to excellence earned him the position of quality assurance supervisor and auditor for Submarine Squadron 7 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
After completing his instructor training, Roy advanced to master training specialist, where he educated students at the Fleet Submarine Warfare Center in San Diego. His service culminated in 1990 when he retired as a chief petty officer after 21 years of dedicated service.
After leaving the Navy, 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. The couple celebrated their 40th anniversary in October. In Eureka, Roy pursued careers as a photographer and internet web designer before retiring in 2012. He values his life in Eureka for its close-knit community, favorable climate, and stunning natural surroundings.
Event Details
The monthly Humboldt Heroes celebration will take place at noon on Friday, December 1, at the lobby of the Eureka Inn, located at 518 Seventh Street, Eureka. This event honors local veterans and aims to foster community spirit and recognition for their service.
For those interested in nominating a local veteran for future recognition or supporting the ongoing program, contact State Farm insurance agent Scott Hammond at 707-444-2504. The Humboldt Heroes initiative typically honors veterans on the last Friday of each month, highlighting the sacrifices and contributions of those who have served.
