Portrait #24: Howard Homeier
Howard Homeier in his cherished early 1950s Chevy pick-up truck. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2009.
When I met World War II veteran Howard Homeier of Kenyon, in Kenyon, in August 2009, he’d just come from Kenyon Veterans Memorial Park. There, with other members of the Kenyon Veterans Color Guard, he’d participated in a ceremony during this southern Minnesota community’s annual Rose Fest.
Howard and I chatted briefly about his service with the U.S. Army in the China Burma India Theater. Then I admired his vintage 50s truck, with Howard allowing me to photograph it and him in it.
What I mostly admired, though, was Howard’s patriotism and support of veterans. Although I didn’t ask, I’m certain he does not take freedom for granted. He understands its cost. This vet put his freedom into practice by serving in Kenyon city government.
Nearly six years after meeting Howard, I still remember him. I hope you, too, this weekend remember and honor a veteran.
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This is part of a series, Minnesota Faces, featured every Friday on Minnesota Prairie Roots.
Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I’m still adjusting to the reality that it IS Memorial Day (Weekend)!!!!! I’m not sure if it’s the “retirement” or what, but time has a very different (odd at times) quality to it these days. Love this series (actually, ALL your jottings!!!!) and always look forward to seeing our little corner of the world through your sensitive observations.
Thank you, Doreen.
You’re retired? I think not with all of that quilting your are still doing and always will. It’s your passion.
I’m now doing, every day, all the things/ideas that have been swirling in my brain, every day, for the past many years…..I very well know(!) that this life chapter will be shorter/smaller than those previous so, logically/realistically(ha!) I canNOT possibly cram it all in!!!!!! BUT, I’m workin’ on it!!! LOL!!!!!
Ah, now I understand.
I retired last September and at least from my experience, you nailed it. Time has a whole different meaning.
To answer Audrey’s comment, retirement is not about being idle, it is about doing the things you are passionate about – or in my case being told to do the things my wife is passionate about.
Got it. Doing that which you are passionate about.
“Strong suggestions/hints” fly around here, also!!!!! LOL!!! For all the diverse stages/pathways of life we all travel, “retirement” has an amazing number of definitions that were unimagined by the previously-employed!!!!!!! (insert happy smile!)
We know you live to do what you’re told by your wife. You can’t fool us!
Laughing here. I’m sure Almost Iowa will appreciate your comment, Barbara.
He always appreciates my comments. Hello? AI? You do, don’t you? LOL!!!
Of course he does. Almost Iowa has a great sense of humor. Don’t you think he needs his own published column, in print? Or a book of his humor published?
I absolutely do. Shall we launch a campaign?
He’s working on the column part, although I have yet to get an update. Count me in on the campaign. His writing rocks. Does that sound old school?
Cutting edge to this gal!😃😃
We are definitely girls of the 70s, aren’t we?
Oh yes!
Perfect photo to kick off this holiday weekend.
It was an intentional choice.
I’ll be honoring my good old Army sergeant Dad who happens to be a Minnesota boy too. I like this series of yours very much, Audrey.
I’m honoring my dad, too, who served with the U.S. Army on the frontline during the Korean War. So glad you’re enjoying Minnesota Faces, Barbara.
Perfect photo for this Memorial weekend. A great reminder to honor those who have and still do serve our country.
Exactly.
I love this fella. What a great photo, Audrey. I happen to love old Chevy trucks too. 🙂
Double bonus then with this post. Have a wonderful weekend.
Our veterans certainly deserve to be honoured. I do love how he is still driving around in a truck from the 50’s – most people in Sydney think they have an old car if it’s three years old! xx
That truck was great.
Yes, once again beautifully written! A heartfelt thank you to all our veterans and those presently serving our great country! Audrey — have you been up to Granite Falls and visited Fagen Fighters WWII Museum — it is at the Granite Falls airport — right down the road from Minnesota’s Machinery Museum — it is awesome — you would have a wonderful time and great photo ops! Let me know if you are going to come as I would love to meet up with you!
I have heard of it. One more place I need to visit. Thank you, Laurie. And, yes, thank you to our veterans and those still serving, two of whom are my active duty military brothers-in-law.
I’m certain he does not take freedom for granted. He understands its cost. This vet put his freedom into practice by serving in Kenyon city government.
This sentence above that was in your recent posting capsulizes the meaning of the day. i agree with others when they say you have a knack for “nailing” it,
Thank you, Sue.