US Army Col. Robert “Bob” Howard Sr., native son of Alabama, adopted son of Texas, was memorialized at Ft. Sam Houston, in San Antonio, TX. on February 22, 2010. The Col. upon retiring from the Army settled down in San Antonio, and worked for the VA until his retirement.  After 52-years of public service, 36-years of distinguished military service it should come as no surprise, that his memorial service was beautiful and befitting A True American Hero.

The DVD memorial video, A True American Hero, highlights the memorial services held at Ft. Sam Houston. This 50 minutes video includes comments, musical & video tributes and personal eulogies given by;

• Col. Robert Howard’s granddaughter – Victoria Batey
• US Army South Commander Maj. Gen.  Simeon Trombitas
• US Army Ft. Sam Houston Commander Maj. Gen. Russell Czerw
• US Army, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Alfred Valenzuela
• US Air Force Col. (Ret.) MOH Recipient, James P. Fleming
• US Army Chaplain Col. (Ret) Edward K. Maney
• US Army Chaplain Col. (Ret) Gilley Richardson
• US Army Band – MEDCOM Quintet
• USFallen.org – A Hero Among Heroes video

This video is a collaborative effort by USFallen.org and the Alamo Silver Wings Airborne Association to raise funds to obtain commemorative objects including; a bronze statue, a marble bench and a portrait for future Col. Robert Howard memorials.

If you are interested in hosting an event featuring this presentation with a guest speaker, please contact us here for details.

Minimum donation requested is $12.00 per copy. Help us ensure the life of A True American Hero is never forgotten, please order your DVD presentation today. Free shipping through March 24, 2010.

Due to the length of the video a full version is not available on-line. However, below are a couple of sample clips from the memorial service.

Clip 1 – Impromptu tribute by Ft. Sam Houston Commander, Maj. Gen. Russell Czerw

Clip 2  Closing tribute “Day is Done” (Taps) by Chaplain Col. (Ret) Edward K. Maney.

Feb. 22, 2010 Arlington National Cemetery.
The late US Army Colonel Robert “Bob” Howard was laid to rest with full military honors.  The ceremonies were conducted by the 3d US Infantry Regiment, (The Old Guard) accompanied by the US Army Band, Pershing Own and 12 Medal of Honor recipients as honorary pall-bearers.

Funeral services were conducted at the Memorial Chapel at Ft. Meyers. The weather was cold and overcast with 10″ of snow from the week before.  The maintenance staff of Arlington had begun preparations on Friday to clear out the snow and clean the nearby tombstones.

350 mourners were in attendance as well as, the Col’s 3 daughters and his son US Army Sgt. Robert Howard Jr., with the Special Forces out of Ft. Bragg.  A detail from the Special Forces was present to deliver flags to the family.  USN Lt. Mike Thornton, MOH, presented Sgt. Howard with the original Medal of Honor presented by President Nixon, to his father. A detail from the Airborne Association of San Antonio presented the family with a special commissioned portrait of the Col.

January 29, 2010 San Antonio, TX.

Paul W. Peña, 27, was Kill-In-Action on January 19, 2010, while on patrol in Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. He posthumously awarded a Purple Heart.

He was laid to rest in peace with full military honors at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Pena graduated in 2000 from San Marcos Baptist Academy and was a member of Junior ROTC. Pena was commissioned upon graduation from the West Point, U.S. Military Academy in 2004 and attended Airborne and Ranger school.

Special Thanks:
Army Captain Paul W. Peña
Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery
82nd Airborne Division
Purple Heart Assoc. Alamo Chapter
Alex Perez

Music:
Mansions of the Lord
Sgt. MacKenzie
Taps

Video Production
Jerry Castillo