Late military hero's family visits his Hudson Valley hometown
The family and the village of Montgomery held a special ceremony for Air Force Maj. John Nave, 93, who died earlier this year.
More Stories
Family and friends of a late Orange County military hero flew in from around the country to celebrate his life one more time in his favorite place.
The family and the village of Montgomery held a special ceremony for Air Force Maj. John Nave, 93, who died earlier this year.
"That's my Johnny," Maj. Nave's wife Jana Nave laughed as she watched a slideshow of family photos projected on a screen. "Yep, and that's me."
Jana Nave, a retired Air Force nurse, said since she and John first became a couple while stationed in Germany, they traveled the world together during and after their careers.
"Montgomery was his favorite place," she said. "It's like coming back home, you know, so this is just really an honor for John."
John Nave was born on Dec, 13, 1930 in Texas where his father was stationed, and was raised in Montgomery.
Like his father, Nave attended West Point.
Upon graduation, he joined the Air Force to become a pilot.
In his retirement, Nave worked as a flight instructor and trained hundreds of pilots.
Following the ceremony, the family visited Nave's final resting place, the West Point Cemetery, where his father is also buried.
Nave's family also said he loved Army football, air shows, his chihuahua and relaxing with a glass of red wine.
"He set a good example," Nave's grandson Reagan Nave said.
He said his grandfather inspired him to join the Air Force after college and inspired a gathering of relatives who do not often see one another.
"I think it's really nice," Reagan Nave said. "It's nice to see everyone come together. It's been a while. Very long times."
