Posted on 11/22/2002 6:23:34 PM PST by Ed_NYC
11/20/02
One-Armed Marine Continues to Serve
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Being a United States Marine is tough enough, but imagine only having one arm. Col. Timothy Howard lost his arm about 20 years ago, but he hasn't let that keep him from serving his country. It's not too often you find a Purple Heart recipient who continues to serve our country, let alone one who still ranks first class in the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test.
Close to 20,000 recruits and marines achieve their marksmanship qualifications each year at Parris Island, and Col. Howard is the man behind it all. Howard serves as the commanding officer for the Weapons and Field Training Battalion at Parris Island, a position he serves with pride.
"I love what I'm doing," he said. "Every day is a good day. There's no such thing as a bad day."
The colonel's attitude has kept him as one of the few and the proud for 25 years, despite a major career setback that left him with an artificial arm and a limp. It all happened in 1983, when he was deployed to Grenada on a mission to rescue American students and preserve democracy. But during the mission, his helicopter was shot down and he lost his right arm and severely injured his right leg.
Thanks to his co-pilot and fellow crewmembers, he made it out alive, and it's their memory he keeps sacred. When Howard was shot down by the enemy in Grenada, his co-pilot rescued him and was killed in the process. Two men in a second helicopter provided backup and were shot down and killed during the rescue.
"They are a big part of why I continue to do this, and why I think it's important," said Col. Howard.
Not only is it a miracle Howard can walk after all that, but he's continued to pass his physical fitness test requirements with flying colors, running three miles in less than 26 minutes, which ranks him first class. But, he says it's more than determination that keeps him on top; it's his marines.
"Working with the marines on a day-to-day basis is spectacular," he said.
Reported by: Jaime Dailey, jdailey@wtoc.com
G-d bless this marine and our great country that continues to produce such fine citizens.
Well....he was outstanding, too.
Stay Safe !
My Father told me once that during WWII, they captured a German unit in Belgium. The Germans were carrying their commanding officer who had no arms or legs.
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