[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 25, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GEORGE HOWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2024

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I celebrate the remarkable life and 
upcoming 100th birthday of George Howard, an African American World War 
II veteran and an esteemed resident of Lansing, Michigan. Born in 
Birmingham, Alabama on February 22, 1925, Mr. Howard has led a life of 
service, resilience, and love for his fellow man. His story is one of 
transformation, from facing adversity and discrimination to building 
meaningful and trusting relationships across racial lines.
  Mr. Howard's service to our nation began when he was drafted into the 
U.S. Army Air Forces in 1943. During World War II, he served in an all-
Black unit and was responsible for handling and organizing munitions, a 
duty that often placed him under enemy fire. His bravery was 
demonstrated in key campaigns, including in Naples and the Rome-Arno 
operations in Italy, and his attachment to the 12th and 15th Air Forces 
and the Mediterranean Allied Air Force.
  Mr. Howard's service earned him multiple decorations, including the 
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, the 
Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal.
  The experiences Mr. Howard had during the war affected his outlook on 
life. While serving in Italy and Switzerland, he encountered a level of 
respect and equality from Europeans that was often denied to him in the 
segregated American South. These experiences fueled his desire to 
promote equality and understanding among all people, a mission he has 
carried with him throughout his life.
  Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Howard once again faced the 
harsh realities of a segregated society. Though he had served with 
honor and integrity, he and other African American veterans were 
excluded from celebrations. Despite the lack of recognition and 
disrespectful treatment, he remained focused on the values he fought 
for during the war. He expressed deep gratitude for President Truman's 
decision to desegregate the U.S. Armed Forces in 1948, a significant 
step towards equality.
  After his military service, Mr. Howard moved to Brooklyn, New York, 
and eventually settled in Michigan, where he built a career as a 
physical therapy technician at Ingham Medical Center in Lansing. His 
professional dedication was matched by his passion for jazz music. A 
proud father of three, he and his saxophone were often exiled by his 
children to a friend's basement to practice in the early days of 
developing his talent. Eventually, he was not only performing locally 
but also traveling across the country to study and listen to other jazz 
artists. At the age of 92, he realized a lifelong dream by recording 
his first CD, ``George Howard and My Jazz Brothers,'' thanks to the 
support of his friends.
  Mr. Howard's life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the 
strength found in service to one's country. To this day, he strongly 
believes in the fundamental principle that all men are created equal 
and has spent his life fostering understanding and respect among 
different cultures. He is also deeply committed to ensuring that people 
learn about the significant contributions of Black soldiers who have 
served our country, from the Revolutionary War to World War II to 
today.
  It is with great respect and admiration that I recognize George 
Howard's extraordinary contributions and wish him a joyous celebration 
of his 100th birthday in the United States House of Representatives.

                          ____________________