Lieutenant Colonel John J. Howard 1866-1929 

Colonel Howard was the son of General O.O. Howard and was the ninth generation of Howards to serve in the Army.  His father, who had served all through the Civil War and lost an arm at Antietam, did not wish his sons to follow the family’s military tradition.  John J. graduated from Van Resselaer Polytechnic with a degree in engineering.  Unbeknown to the family, John took a competitive examination, passed among the first, and was commissioned in the infantry.

He saw service in China during the Boxer Rebellion, served 8 years in the Philippines where he was severely wounded.  He never recovered from these injuries, though he served a total of 40 years in the Army.  During the World war, he was in command at Fort Upton, Long Island.  He was at the point of embarkation with his regiment when he collapsed from over work and old injuries.  The disappointment of not being overseas with his men broke his health and spirt.  He was given a year’s leave and then his honorable retirement.  He made Los Altos his home during his last years and passed away on October 18, 1929.  When the Post was formed and named in honor of John Howard, the family presented the Post with Colonel Howard’s bible and a portrait, both of which are on display.