WILX: Push to rename Jackson VA clinic after local man, one of last known Pearl Harbor survivors
Sunday marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and a local congressman is working to honor a veteran from Jackson who survived the attack.
U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg on Thursday introduced legislation to rename the Jackson VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic after Herb Elfring.
Elfring died last year at the age of 102. He was one of the last known survivors of Pearl Harbor and he dedicated his life to helping fellow veterans. He founded the non-profit One Stop Veteran Resources.
“Ahead of the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, I am proud to introduce legislation to honor a true American hero and local legend, Herb Elfring,” Walberg said, per a press release. “I was fortunate enough to meet Herb before his passing and hear firsthand about his experiences during World War II and the bravery he displayed while defending our freedoms.”
Elfring served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1940 to 1945 and was a member of the 251st Coast Artillery. He was stationed at Hawaii’s Camp Malakole near Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack, barely avoiding bullet fire from Japanese planes, according to Walberg’s office.
By 1944, Elfring had completed Officer Candidate School and was promoted to the rank of Captain. For his bravery in the line of duty, he was awarded various medals, including a World War II Medal, American Defense Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.
Elfring often mentored young veterans and visited with his community. He partnered with Darlene Soave to start One Stop Veteran Resources to “create programs for veterans and engage with our nation’s youth.”
He encouraged local athletes, visited classrooms, and wrote back to every child who sent him a letter. He also was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Jackson and volunteered at food banks and donation drives like Toys for Tots
“He will forever be remembered for his patriotism, his commitment to our community, and his dedication to highlighting the importance of freedom with younger generations,” Walberg said.
Soave says renaming the VA clinic in Elfring’s honor would “that every veteran who seeks care here is touched by the spirit of a man who spent his entire life lifting others up.”
“When I first met Herb Elfring, he was searching for a home for his nonprofit, and within minutes I knew I needed to help him,” Soave said. ”His goals were simple: he wanted every veteran to wake up with dignity and purpose, and he wanted every child to find the strongest path forward — guided by real mentors and real role models. Herb believed it was his duty to carry the torch to the next generation, to make sure the lessons of courage, humility, and service would outlive him. I believed in Herb from day one, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.