Minjares family issues statement of thanks for outpouring of support

 

A trust fund has been established for the children of a Cherry Point Navy corpsman killed in Iraq last week.

 

Petty Officer 1st Class Gilbert Minjares, 31, of New Bern, died when the helicopter he was aboard went down on Feb. 7, just a week after he deployed to Iraq. The military is investigating the cause of the crash, but initial reports indicate it may have been shot down.

 

Minjares is survived by his wife, Jenny, son, Gilbert, 2, and daughter, Miranda, one month. A memorial service for the El Paso, Texas native is scheduled for today at Cherry Point, where he transferred after assignment in Guam.

 

The Minjares family issued a statement Monday, thanking area residents for their support.

 

"We would like to express our gratitude to the communities of New Bern and Havelock for their kindness and love as we struggle with our great loss," the Minjares family said in a statement. "We appreciate your prayers and support during this difficult time.

 

"Although Gilbert had been in your community only a short time, you had welcomed him and made him feel at home. We will be eternally grateful for everything."

 

Contributions to the Gilbert and Miranda Minjares Education Fund may be made at any Bank of America branch or mailed to the downtown branch, 412 S. Front St., New Bern, NC 28560.

 

Zac Goldstein can be reached at 635-5673 or at zgoldstein@freedomenc.com.

 

To make a donation

 

Contributions to the Gilbert and Miranda Minjares Education Fund may be made at any Bank of America branch or mailed to the downtown branch, 412 S. Front St., New Bern, NC 28560.