Howerton: being in Color Guard “honor and privilege” for a veteran
The Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) is a supporter of our military and the Honor Flights. The ACCF will provide financial support for the Honor Fight in October; however, before the October flight, there is a plane full of heroes that will be going in April.
To recognize these hometown heroes, the ACCF sat with a few of these military veterans to ask about their involvement in the military, American Legion Color Guard and their military service. These articles will appear separately.
Our fourth interview was with Mr. Jim Howerton.
How or why did you end up in the military?
“I was attending classes at Indiana University and it was required to take two years of ROTC. I got all As in the classes, I really enjoyed the experience, so I took two more years of advanced training. I applied for flight school and was accepted. They tried to entice as many people as they could by saying they needed pilots in Viet Nam. They offered me the opportunity to get my private pilot license during my senior year and I did. “
Tell us a little about your military service: When ... Where ... How ...
“Let me start by saying I was very blessed. Every assignment I wanted, I got. I started by spending a year in Viet Nam and then two years at Hunter Army Airfield in Savanna, Georgia. Then four years at Fort Knox as a company commander followed by another flight assignment in South Korea. This was my second tour of one year with no family.
“From there we went to Colorado Springs. Then a three-year tour to Germany. I was stationed in Heidelberg, with my wife and daughter, and we traveled all over Europe. I was at the European Headquarters. From there we were stationed in San Antonio, Texas. where I retired from the military in 1988. My wife’s aunt, living alone in Decatur, needed care, so we packed up and moved to Decatur. That is how we all got back to Indiana.”
Tell a little about your American Legion, Post 43 membership and Color Guard Service:
“I have been a member of the American Legion, Post 43 and the Color Guard for five years. I would say I have participated in over 200 ‘Final Salute’ services. We may do as many as 50 funerals in a year.”
Referring to your military service, if you could do it over again ... what would you have changed?
“I will say it again. I have been very
blessed. I’ve flown a lot, been in countries all over the world and meet some really great military soldiers and their families. I can’t think of anything I would change.”
What advice do you have for young men and women today that are considering serving in a branch of the military?
“Things are a lot different now. I have a grandson that I advised to check out the Coast Guard. I think we (the USA) are fighting too many other countries’ battles, and it is time they step up to protect their own countries. Having said that, serving one’s country is a sacred responsibility and an experience well worth having.”
What do you think our country has lost as the result of doing away with the draft?
With a draft you get a great cross section of people. Some are very smart and well, some are not as capable. However, there is an MOS (a training skill) that will fit everyone. In today’s military, you get people that want to serve our country. That is better than a draft.”
What does your participation with the Honor Flight, April 24, 2024 mean to you?
‘I am in the Color Guard because it is an honor and privilege to serve our military veterans. The honor flight serves all the branches and all vets. It is humbling to think of all the soldiers that have given their lives to do as our country has asked them to do. I am proud and honored to be a part of this recognition.”