CARL LESLIE HOWARD
Retired Army 21 years; CW2
I joined the Army in January of 1967. Took basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and A.I.T. at Ft. Lewis, WA. At the induction center, they asked me if I enjoyed the outdoors. When I replied “Yes”, they said “Put him in the infantry.” I served 2 tours in Vietnam in the infantry at Chu-Lai as an enlisted soldier. I was a forward observer for various mortar platoons while serving with the Americal Division in Chu-Lai, Vietnam in 1968 and again in 1969.
I spent 7 years total in the infantry and rose to the rank of E-7. Mostly assigned with mechanized armor units such as Old Ironsides (1st Armored Division) and Hell on Wheels (2nd Armored Division). While stationed at Illesheim, Germany with the 2nd Armored Division, I participated in a NATO exercise with what I believe were 7 nations, into Greece, culminating at the “Theater of Phillipi” located in Kavala, Greece. I had the privilege of entering the jail cell of the Apostle Paul and Silas. It was basically just a hole in the earth.
My last decade or so in the Army I ran the Officers Clubs. The last two were in Alaska, and then Hawaii. I retired while in Hawaii. Shortly after my retirement there, I returned to Michigan where I had family who needed me.
I owned and operated a successful disaster restoration company for approximately 25 years and then handed it over to my daughter. During that time, I also conducted flooring inspections, with certifications in most every type of flooring. I have owned several other small businesses over the years. I tell people I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up!
My wife Susan and I have been married for over 16 years. I have 4 grown children – 3 sons and a daughter, 14 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. I love spending time with my family! The little ones especially melt my heart (and sometimes the older ones as well).
I was diagnosed with CKD many years ago, and it was going fine until the last few years. In April 2024, I had to have open heart (triple bypass) surgery, which led to me requiring dialysis. I started dialysis three months later and currently go to a center 3 days a week. Dialysis takes so much out of me, and I have lost so much energy and strength. My wife used to refer to me as her “strong-like-a-bull” husband, but not now!
Prior to my open-heart surgery and subsequent dialysis, I was very active in world missions work. I have traveled to many countries to serve those less fortunate. My greatest passion is an orphanage in Vietnam. Many of the children there are what they refer to as “throw-away” kids. The parents didn’t want them because of some severe disabilities. I really hope to get back to the mission field to be of service to those in need.
My biggest regret is not being able to travel to see and help missionaries we support, personally and through our church. Having a kidney transplant could potentially get me back to what I feel the Lord has led me to do. I am also hoping to get back on my Harley Davidson motorcycle. My wife and I loved riding together and going on adventures.
I have a few family members, and a friend who offered me a kidney. Unfortunately, all were disqualified for various reasons. Most of my family members are in poor health and would not qualify as donors. I am looking for someone who would be willing to help me regain my health and allow me to be there for my family and get back to doing the things I love!
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save Carl’s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611