| Howard Hunt |
|---|
 |
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: 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." |
