Honor A Veteran

Albany County Honors Vietnam Veteran and Veteran Advocate John Howe

Honoree Fought for Medal for Albany World War I Hero Henry Johnson

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin and the Honor-A-Veteran Committee commemorated Vietnam veteran John L. Howe, Sr. at a ceremony on Monday, February 5, 2007, in Albany. 

Howe was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 9, 1946.  After graduating from high school, he volunteered to serve in the United States Army.  While serving with the 82nd Airborne Division as an infantry sergeant in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, he was wounded twice, earning two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.

After his military service, Howe graduated from the State University College at Old Westbury and worked for the federal and state government for several years.  In the 1980's he relocated to Albany when he became employed with the Urban Development Corp and later worked for Assemblyman Arthur Eve.  Howe also hosted an afternoon radio show on WQBK until 1997. 

Howe, a well-known advocate for veterans, was the driving force in the efforts to get formal recognition of the African American World War I hero, Sgt. Henry Johnson, who fought with the 369th Regiment, known as the Harlem Hell-Fighters.  In 2002, Henry Johnson was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and until his death Howe continued to push for the Medal of Honor.  Howe was an active member of many community and veterans organizations, including the 369th Veterans Association, Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans, the Henry Johnson American Legion Post, the 100 Black Men and the Black Catholic Apostolate-St. George Roman Catholic Church.  He also served as a role model for many young Boy Scouts, remaining active in the organization since his youth and serving as scoutmaster of the Arbor Hill Troop 5.

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