Veterans Day is a time to reflect and offer gratitude and appreciation for all of the courgeous men and women who have made the selfless sacrific to serve our country. In celebration, we sat down with Jon Howard, lead maintenance technician at Morris Inn, to learn a little bit about his service in the United States Army.
What is your current role and how long have you worked at the University?
I have been with the University for 15 years and I am currently the lead maintenance technician at the Morris Inn.
Tell us about your time in the military. Which branch did you serve in, when and how long did you serve, and what was your job?
I was in the U.S. Army. I spent a total of 12 years in active duty, the National Guard, and in the Army Reserves. I was in the Infantry for my entire time.
What inspired you to join the military?
All the men in my family served in the military. My father was in the Navy during World War II and my brother was a Navy Seal in Vietnam.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
Veterans Day is a day I remember all my brothers and sisters who are currently serving our country both here in the USA and abroad. I also reach out to the men I served with and share a laugh.
What is the most memorable mission, deployment, or experience you had while serving?
I’ve had many memorable experiences while serving in the Army but I would say my first was getting off the bus at Fort Benning, GA to attend my basic training. The drill sergeants were doing their best to instill the shock and awe in us that was needed to start getting us into the military mindset.
What does the word service mean to you personally?
Service, in a military setting, means doing what is needed to protect everyone to the best of your ability. Your brothers and sisters in arms, your family back home, and complete strangers are all what you train and fight for.
What are you most proud of as a veteran?
I am most proud of the people I served with and the great honor I had to serve beside them!
What skills or lessons from your military service have you found most useful in your civilian career or life?
There are many of the lessons that I learned in the military that I employ every day. Never be late being my number one! I live 15 minutes from Notre Dame but I leave my house an hour before I have to be on shift so I'm not late, even if I get a flat tire.
What are some ways that people can recognize and show their respect and appreciation for veterans?
“Thank you for your service” is a great way to show respect to veterans. I truly appreciate it.
Originally published by at experience.nd.edu on November 01, 2025.