Chief Warrant Officer, Andy Howes, returned to Starke County yesterday 41 years after he left for the war in Vietnam.
Howes left Hawaii yesterday morning in a trip that ended in Knox at 8:10 p.m. last night. Hundreds of people turned out along the way home, especially in Knox.
We asked Ann Howes, Andy’s sister-in-law, if she was surprised at the turnout.
“No, I’m not really surprised because small town America is the heart and soul of America,” she said. “Knox is the heart and soul. It just proves that one more time. We’re very grateful. Very grateful.”
A Memorial Service for Andy Howes will be at the Knox Community Center tonight at 7:00 p.m. Visitation is at 5:00 p.m.
Those who have an Andy Howes MIA bracelet are urged to take them with you to the M.C. Smith Funeral Home or to the Community Center and they will be buried with Andy in Arlington National Cemetery.
Photos provided by Jayme Goetz.
Here are some pictures taken by the staff before and during the events in Knox: