On October 23, 2026, I had the honor of attending the homegoing services for Captain Jerome Goebel. It was a day filled with emotions, gratitude, tears, and the realization of just how important it is to never stop telling their stories.
My relationship with the Goebel family began long before Captain Goebel was identified. His niece, Ms. Janice Purdy, first contacted me in September 2012. His granddaughter, Amber Ewing, reached out in June 2016, and Mona Kline contacted me in May 2025. They were all searching for answers about the plane, the crash, and what happened to their loved one.
Over the years, those conversations continued. When I was invited to participate in a CBS Sunday Morning segment, I reached out to Captain Goebel’s nephew and niece, who graciously agreed to share their family’s story.
As the date for his homecoming approached, Mrs. Mona called to let me know. I immediately made arrangements to attend. There was no way I was going to miss this moment.
As I pulled into the cemetery, I saw a long line of vehicles following the hearse. All I could think was, *What a beautiful family gathering to bring their loved one home after 73 years.*
Then came a moment I will never forget. As I walked back to my car, someone rolled down the passenger window and asked, “Are you Tonja?” It was Mrs. Mona! We hugged and laughed about finally putting a face with the person we had been texting. It was such a special moment.
I also had the opportunity to meet Matthew from AFMAO and Captain Middleton of the Air Force, who served as the escort for Captain Goebel’s remains.
A little later, Captain Goebel’s daughter approached me, and we embraced. She said, “Tonja, thank you so much.”
What I wanted to say was that there was no need to thank me. This was a promise I made to my grandmother: **I would not stop until they ALL came home.**
At 11:15 a.m., it was time to lay Captain Goebel to rest. As the motorcycle escort began and the hearse slowly made its way through the cemetery, family members and loved ones gathered to witness this long-awaited moment.
A song written by a member of the Goebel family was played during the service. Listening to those words brought tears to my eyes. It was heartbreaking, yet incredibly powerful. It told his story through the hearts of those who loved him.
Afterward, we gathered at a restaurant, where I had the opportunity to meet more family members and share the story of the C-124 Globemaster II.
One moment that especially touched me was hearing his son, Rick, speak about his father. He was so young when his father was lost that much of what he knew came from family stories.
Something he said compelled me to walk over and share what I knew about the aircraft. I was also able to confirm that there were documents aboard the plane. What he had heard was, in part, true.
I hugged him and told him, **”He is home now.”**
As I stood there, I couldn’t help but think about my own father. He, too, grew up with stories about his father, Airman Isaac Anderson Sr. My father had only two photographs and no true memories of the man himself.
That is something many families of missing servicemen understand. Generations grow up with unanswered questions, stories, photographs, and the hope that someday they will know what happened.
To the Goebel family, THANK YOU for welcoming me, allowing me to answer your questions, sharing your stories, and permitting me to be part of such a meaningful day. It was truly an honor.
Captain Jerome Goebel, you are HOME. 🇺🇸
This is why Honored Bound Inc exists. It is not just about finding missing aircraft. It is about the men aboard, the families left waiting, and making sure their names and stories are never forgotten.
**One promise. One mission. Until they ALL come home.**
**HONORED BOUND INC**
*Until They ALL Come Home.*
“The biggest honor we can give our fallen soldiers… is to share their names and tell their stories.”
— Jena Malone
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