Alfredo Gabriel Herrera

Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Al Herrera passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. At his side were his wife Betty, daughter Virginia, and son Nokowhat Herrera. CMSgtMaj Herrera is also survived by his son Gene, brothers Jose, David, Henry, Danny, and Arturo, sisters Aurora, Irene, and Cynthia. His extended family include many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Al was born in Beatty, Oregon, to a family of 15 strong. He attended school in Beatty, Bly, and Klamath Falls, OR, where he graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1951. An outstanding athlete, Al played varsity baseball and football for the KU Pelicans. Upon graduation he worked, as had his father and grandfather, on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Drafted into the U. S. Army in 1955, he was soon ordered to the Republic of South Korea for duty, followed by other overseas tours of duty in Izmir, Turkey, Vietnam, and Thailand. While serving his second combat tour in Vietnam, CMSgtMaj was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with Valor, and the Purple Heart. He also served with his beloved brothers from the 16th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Army Division, the Bandido Charlies of Charlie Company.

Following his retirement, he further served his country, fellow service members, and the U. S. Army, by participating as a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), an advisory board member for the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, and board member of the Bandido Charlie Company Association.

Services are scheduled for 10:00am, Monday, June 13, 2016 in Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Military Honors will follow in Willamette National Cemetery. Al Herrera’s final resting place will be at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Klamath Falls, OR. He will be escorted from Portland to Klamath Falls, by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association of Oregon, on Tuesday, June 14, 2016.

Donations in lieu of flowers are suggested to be made to the Bandido Charlie Association (www.bandidocharlies.org.) or the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 72:

Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 72

Please note: IN HONOR OF AL HERERRA

Checks can be sent to the following address:

c/o J. Todd Swanson

Finance Officer, Chapter 72

6211 NE Sumner Street

Portland, Oregon 97218-3032