Howard William Fleeger
Memorial Article Information


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Legacy Book entry:

"My Army career started normally enough with jump school and Engineer basic before my assignment in Viet Nam.  But my tour was cut short after 4 ½ months when the vehicle I was in ran over a land mine.  The other two passengers were killed and I was medivaced to Japan.  My recovery led to a follow on assignment close to home, and then two tours in Germany where I met my first wife and where my daughter Jennifer was born in 1978. 

 

"After leaving the Army I began my career as an engineer, working for several years in Ohio and then Seattle.  A second marriage, to Ann, and our two children, Jonathan and Chelsea, made the 80’s a wonderful time for us all. 

 

"In 1993, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  The disease presented slowly but by 2000, it became more challenging.  We’ve also found out that my exposure to Agent Orange in Viet Nam was linked to the disease.  Ann and others will say that West Point and the Army made me a fighter, and it’s true that I’ve remained determined not to let Parkinson’s rule my life.  I was an early recipient of a deep brain stimulator, and I’m quick to try new medications as they are available. 

 

"I was able to continue as an engineer, inventing and patenting a ‘floating weir.’  So for all of my E-3 classmates who don’t even remember Fluid Dynamics, look up US 6997644B2, and weep!

 

"The challenges have been increasing in recent years, and I am now living with and helped by Ann, even though we divorced in 2003.  And, like all Veterans, I am challenged too by working with the VA.  Still, I am blessed to have my family with me each day. 

 

"An unintended consequence of these past years is that I’d fallen out of touch with my West Point company mates, but some of them with too much time on their hands found me.  Hearing from them is great therapy, and while I’m not able to make our 45th reunion, I will be there in spirit for certain." 


 

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