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Small-town soldier honored at Wrigley Field
New London veteran Jesse Howard reflects on 22 years of service and a moment he'll never forget
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
CHICAGO — When Jesse Howard stood along the third-base line at Wrigley Field on June 20 the applause from thousands of fans, including his family, felt like a lifetime of service coming full circle.
The New London native was honored as the Veteran of the Game during the Chicago Cubs’ Budweiser Salute to Service at their matchup against the Seattle Mariners. For Howard, the moment was more than just a trip to a baseball game — it was a powerful tribute to a 22-year military career.
“Standing on that field with my family, hearing the roar of the crowd, and feeling the gratitude in that moment — it’s something I’ll carry with me forever,” Howard said. “When the Cubs call your name at Wrigley Field — it just hits different.”
Howard, a 2002 graduate of New London High School, was motivated to join the military after experiencing 9/11 his senior year of high school. He served four years on active duty with the United States Marine Corps before spending another 18 years in the Iowa Army National Guard. Throughout this time he saw 13 different countries and experienced more of the world than he ever had growing up in New London.
He retired as a First Sergeant in October 2024 and now resides right back in the community he loves with his wife Kasi and two children Mila and Mason.
The Cubs organization honored Howard with a field-side tribute during the game, and his face lit up the stadium’s big screen as fans stood in recognition.
“Being at Wrigley Field is special on its own — but standing on the field to a standing ovation from thousands … absolutely unforgettable,” he said. “Moments like this are a powerful reminder that freedom is never free.”
Joining him on the trip were his wife Kasi, children Mila and Mason, and mother Pam Lage. The family took the train from Mt. Pleasant to Chicago, marking Jesse’s first-ever visit to Wrigley Field thanks to a nomination for the Veteran of the Game.
Howard expressed his gratitude to Mike Jones, his former high school basketball coach, for the nomination and the unforgettable first visit to Wrigley.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have served in both the United States Marine Corps and the Iowa National Guard,” Howard said. “Over 22 years, I had the privilege of learning from and serving alongside some of the most incredible people — those experiences helped shape my life and the leader I strive to be today.”
Though his military journey has ended, Howard continues to call New London home, carrying with him the memories of a career defined by dedication — and now, a standing ovation under the bright lights of Wrigley Field.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
