Howard Garrison was celebrated Monday, June 8th with a retirement party at the Jefferson County Veterans Affairs office on the third floor of the courthouse, marking the end of a 23-year tenure on the Jefferson County Veterans Affairs Commission. Garrison was presented with a plaque and a certificate in recognition of his service.
Present for the occasion were Jefferson County Veterans Affairs Director Ray Chambers and fellow commission members Michelle Manning and Paul Corbin.
Chambers spoke warmly about what Garrison has meant to the commission and to him personally. “You’ve not only been a good commissioner, but you’ve been a good friend too,” he said. Chambers noted that Garrison has served as chairman of the commission for at least the last 15 years and has been a consistent presence at outreach events throughout his tenure. “He’s supported the commission greatly,” Chambers said. “He’s always been to the outreach events that I’ve asked him to go to. I don’t know how many times we’ve been sitting out in the sun handing out goodies, but we’ve been doing that quite a bit.”
Manning echoed those sentiments. “Howard has always been great to work with,” she said. “He always attends all the extra trainings that are asked — him and Paul both. He always takes time to go to the veteran services or let us know where the services are so we’re up to date so we can update the community members and let them know when there’s any extra veteran ceremonies going on. He likes to share about his experiences in the military, which kind of helps us know more about him and what he did in his service. We appreciate all the time that he sacrificed to serve Jefferson County, and we will miss him greatly.” Manning also offered her own personal thanks. “You’ve devoted a lot of time and I really appreciate you,” she said.
Garrison said he was caught off guard by the send-off. “I didn’t know I was going to get all this, but I appreciate it,” he said. “I love the job of helping veterans, and I just wish I could have done more.”
Garrison also got a laugh out of the room when he reflected on his colleagues looking out for him over the years. “I appreciate all of them — they helped me all the times I was late,” he said with a chuckle. “They called me and made sure I got here. That wasn’t too many times.”
Garrison’s dedication to veterans’ causes is rooted in a distinguished military career of his own. He began his service in 1956 and went on to serve in the Army infantry — spending time in Texas, Vietnam for 13 months, Germany for approximately five years, Korea, Colorado Springs, and other postings. During his service he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. He served 12 years of active duty and nine years in the National Guard, for a combined total of 21 years of service. Military service also runs deep in the Garrison family.
