Orangefield man missing, AWOL from National Guard

The Orange County Sheriff's Office is investigating the disappearance of an Orangefield man who was last seen four weeks ago.

Today, 41-year-old Jay Herrmann, who's a specialist with the Army National Guard, was officially listed as AWOL.. something his wife says he would never do.

Lori Hermann said, "Very much a soldier, he takes that very seriously, he's been in it for 22 years and he loves every minute of that..."

Specialist Jay Herrmann's passion for protecting his country with the Texas Army National Guard is the sole reason his family, and authorities, are concerned about the 41-year-old.

His wife says Jay, better known as J.D., was last seen the morning of October 27th... when he set out to run errands.

"He said, I'll be back and we'll talk later, and I said okay so he kissed me and he said I love you and he stared at me for a long time and then he left," said Lori.

It's been four weeks since anyone has heard from him, including family in Pennsylvania, Army friends and the National Guard Armory in Port Neches.

She said, "It's just been real tough and we've been looking for everything..."

Including Hermmann's cell phone. The Orange County Sheriff's Office is following a lead from a call made to a Port Arthur bus station on the day Herrmann disappeared.  While Lori Herrmann says it may seem like J.D. just up and left... she has a feeling there's more to her husband's disappearance.

"For him to not check in wherever he goes is stranger than strange," he said.

Hermann was planning on retiring from the National Guard soon.... that's why the military has also joined the investigation.

"He told me, we're going to find your soldier so that makes me feel good that I got enough people now that are looking," she said, "We just want to know if he's okay, even if somebody else knows, we just want them to let us know that he's alright."

Authorities say Herrmann was last seen in his '97 model black Pontiac Sunfire.. with license plate Z13 XHL

If you have any information about Herrmann's whereabouts, contact Eastex Crimestoppers at 724-TIPS.  Or you can contact the Army National Guard in Port Neches by calling 727-0431.