Resident Spotlight: UMC at Pitman resident, Herb Souder, honored by Deptford’s Mission BBQ
Mission BBQ is a barbecue chain with a passion for honoring military, first responders, and service organizations. The company’s owners, Bill and Newt, describe themselves as “proudly serving those who serve” and raise funds for many local and national charitable organizations, including Wreaths Across America, the Navy Seal Foundation, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. 
We were so happy to learn that Herb Souder, a resident of UMC at Pitman, was recognized as Mission BBQ’s July 2022 Story of Service. Herb enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941, when he was 22 years old. He served as the plane captain for many WW2 search and rescue missions, picking up downed pilots in the Pacific. After the dropping of the atomic bomb, Herb was eligible for an honorable discharge. He happily returned home to his wife and young daughter and focused on raising his family while remaining active in the Reserves. Herb was called back to duty in 1950 to serve in the Korean War.
Before moving into UMC at Pitman, Herb was a regular customer at the Deptford, NJ Mission BBQ location. The servers would know his order right when he walked in, and there is even a booth with his name and photos on display.
Herb celebrated his 103rd birthday this year, and Mission BBQ generously brought a full dinner to Pitman with signed cards from every Mission BBQ location on the east coast. On a special lunch trip with some of his friends and fellow residents, Herb was warmly welcomed into the restaurant with an honor guard and special announcement.
When Herb is not enjoying delicious BBQ, he can be found working out at UMC at Pitman’s fitness center, visiting with family, and assembling baskets made of Southern Pine needles and walnuts, which he gifts to UMC at Pitman employees.
Herb’s “Stories of Service” interview can be viewed on Mission BBQ’s website using this link: https://mission-bbq.com/stories-of-service/
