UNMC physical therapy graduate Lance Herold is mourning the loss of his son, who is among the latest casualties of the Iraqi war.
Herold’s son, Army Spc. Adam Herold, died Sunday in an explosion near Kabala. The 23-year-old was a member of 2nd Company, 377th Brigade, 4th Battalion Combat Team.
Lance Herold graduated from UNMC’s physical therapy program in 1976, taught full-time at UNMC from 1979 to 1981 and remains an adjunct faculty member. He has been active in the Omaha area physical therapy community, practicing in several settings including the VA Medical Center and currently with Alegent Home Care.
“As a division, we extend our sincere sympathy to the Herold family,” said Pat Hageman, Ph.D., director of the division of physical therapy education and a 1979 graduate of the program. “Lance was a kind, hard working and committed faculty member and I can see his son being a reflection of that in his service to the country. We’re saddened to learn of his death. ”
Wayne Stuberg, Ph.D., discipline director and coordinator of the Munroe-Meyer Institute Physical Therapy program and a 1977 graduate of UNMC’s physical therapy program, agreed. “When you think of an individual who goes into physical therapy to help and serve people, Lance embodies that kind of an individual. He’s always very positive and works with a great deal of energy and passion. Those are the same traits his son had in going into the military: a love for people and country and a passion for his work.”
Herold’s wife, Debbie, is an occupational therapist. The couple has two other sons, Andy and Kyle, both of Omaha. Adam Herold is the 58th person from Nebraska or western Iowa, or with ties to the area, to die in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Funeral services are pending.