This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Army Veteran Howard Brown, who served during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1969 and the Gulf War from 1969 to 1992.

Howard Brown was born in Paxville, South Carolina, in 1946. He accredits his father’s role in teaching him self-discipline and determination that made his road to the military easier. He graduated high school in 1964 and committed to his plan of joining the Army right after graduation.

Brown first served three years in the Army as an infantry soldier in Germany and rose to the rank of sergeant. He then discharged the service and married his wife, Clara, in 1969, and the couple would have six children together. Brown credits Clara for raising the children while he was stationed overseas. He later reenlisted and spent another 23 years in Army Military Intelligence, specializing in morse code. He ultimately obtained his lifelong dream of gaining the rank of sergeant major and believes that his path was planned for him.

Brown officially retired from the Army in 1992 and now spends his time teaching Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) students at Lake Marion High School in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He has been teaching for over 30 years, leaving a strong impact on numerous students. He plans to retire in 2024 at 77 years old.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for Honoring Veterans

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s Honoring Veterans social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Writer: Trinity Green

Editors: Lillian Williams, Tayler Rairigh

Researchers: Raphael Romea, William Vega

Graphic Designer: Maura Joyce

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3 Comments

  1. louis a nieves April 20, 2024 at 00:15

    i salute you. ism a fellow vietnam vet air force and worked at the nyc schools for 10 years retired usps worker 33 years. active air force 6 years,9 years air guard.

  2. Alan Bogan April 6, 2024 at 14:26

    I see a writer and editors, but did.anyone proofread the article? “…accredits his father…?” “He then discharged the service……?”
    He credits his father. He then was discharged from the service.

  3. louis a nieves April 6, 2024 at 08:16

    thanks for your service. god bless. as a former air force vietnam vet and stationed in the uk. i salute you! i also worked as a para. for the nyc dept of ed.

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