| Major Howard Hunt,
U.S. Army (RET) gave 23 years of service to his country. He was the son
of the late Ward and Irene Meadows Hunt.
His duty assignments include but aren't
limited to: Two tours in Vietnam, Army Rifle Team, Fort Richardson &
Fort Wainwright in AK, Defense Language Institute, Fort Benning, Fort
George G. Meade, and Camp Frank D. Merrill.
Awards & Decorations:
Bronze Star with 3 oak leaf clusters and V for Valor
Army Commendation Medal with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal
4 Overseas Service Bars
Vietnam Service Medal with 1 silver service star & 1 bronze service star
Ranger Tab
Parachutist's Badge
Combat Infantryman Badge
Valorous Unit Award
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Air Medal #2
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Unit Citation Badge with palm, 2nd award
Howard Hunt was an unselfish man. He
gave himself completely to his country, his community, his friends and
family. He always seemed larger than life, even in his final days of
battling lung & brain cancer. He was husband to Sherida Hunt and the
father of David, Shannon and Gordon Hunt. He was the grandfather to 7
"blood" grandchildren and dozens of "adopted" grandchildren. He will
always be remembered as "Pop Pop" to those who knew him as a
grandfather. If asked, his family would have undoubtedly been his
greatest accomplishment and will be his legacy. We lost him here on
earth on March 10th, 2006.
One of the finest descriptions of Major
Hunt came from a complete stranger. Gene Altman, GA's Patriot Guard
Rider's State Captain and a Vietnam Veteran and written to Shannon,
Howard's daughter.
"When you serve like your Dad did, it
affects you in many ways. Some good and some not. Honor those things
that were positive and disregard those traits that were negative. Combat
veterans have a way of loving hard without showing it. Combat vets don’t
know how to do things half way or how to take the easy path. Combat vets
that lead others are life savers. They expect only the best out of
everybody and the worst thing you can do is tell them a lie. When they
stand their ground, there is no moving them. They love hard and forgive
slowly. But when they forgive, the war is over. I imagine with all your
Dad went through, he was pretty hard shelled. He had to be. That's what
made him able to train others so they would not die. Wussies do not make
Rangers. Or jump out of perfectly good airplanes. Or become Company
Commanders. Or wear a Ranger Tab. Or win a Combat Infantry Badge. Or
receive multiple Bronze Stars for Valor. Or raise kids like he raised,
you. Tough, determined, independent, yet able to cry for those they
don't know, and be willing to stand for those that chose to do the right
things in life.
I know where your Dad is tonight. There's a special place in Heaven for
Combat Vets that have been to Hell while serving others. And I know your
Dad's legacy. Of all the medals he received…you are his favorite. Honor
his memory with all the vigor and pride that he lived his life."
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