Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Jesse Howard Honored at Wrigley
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
After an illustrious career with the United States Marine Corps. and the Iowa Army National Guard, Jesse Howard retired from the military in 2024 as a First Sergeant after 22 years. Mike Jones, his “old” high school basketball coach - and now mentor and friend, who is also a Cubs’ season ticket holder - became aware of the Veteran of the Game honor. Jones felt Jesse would be a shoo-in with his impressive resume that included serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008.
Jones was right. On Friday, June 20, Jesse took the field as Veteran of the Game to the applause of over 40,000 attendees. He fought back tears as he stood on the field, moved by his reception.
“This was a powerful reminder that freedom is never free,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud to have served our country and thankful for opportunities like this that honor the service and sacrifice of so many.”
He thanked the Chicago Cubs organization for going above and beyond to honor veterans. It’s a day he will never forget. He shared the honor with his wife Kasi, son Mason, and daughter Mila… making it even more memorable. Congratulations Jesse!
