A West Point Man Receives Veteran’s Day Gift From President Trump

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- For a World War Two veteran in West Point this Veteran’s Day truly stands out.

To thank Staff Sergeant Howard MisKelly for his service, President Donald Trump wrote him a personal letter and sent him a military jacket.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Miskelly, who’s a World War II Veteran. “It’s hard to explain but you feel like you’re getting paid back a little bit for some of those bad days and nights that you had.”

Initially it wasn’t Miskelly’s intention to join the military. He was drafted into the U.S. Army back in 1943 on his 18th birthday, which is something he wasn’t too fond of at the time.

“It’s kind of a down feeling,” Miskelly recalled. “I was having more fun in Tippah County than I was fixing to have in the army.”

Miskelly left Tippah County for Camp Walter Texas and basic training, from there he went to Louisiana for 30 days, and from there it was on to the 102nd Infantry Division, and eventually to the European Theater.

The military veteran said he lost some of his closest military friends in World War Two, and over 70 years later the war still weighs on his mind.

“There’s only 3 percent of World War II veterans still alive, 3 percent,” Miskelly expressed. “This blows my mind as to how many folks were killed in the war, everybody. Germans, Russians, it’s really unreal how many folks were killed in the war. We ran into some just terrible things, of course when you’re in the war you’re going to do that.”

The war left a lasting impression on MisKelly, so much so that after serving in the military for three years, he decided it was time to get out.

Back in the civilian world, he decided to begin a new life, so he enrolled at Mississippi State University where he earned his bachelors degree.

After graduating, the WW II veteran spent a few years as a high school teacher before eventually opening his own clothing store.

“I’ve just been blessed,” said Miskelly. “The Lord just kind of guided my footsteps and I followed him. I’ve tried to do good in whatever I’ve participated in.”

Throughout his military career, MisKelly has received several honors and medals.

However, he said the jacket and ‘Thank You’ letter he received from President Trump now stands out to him the most.

Miskelly still doesn’t know how his name came to President Trump’s attention, but he’s very appreciative of it.

Oak Hill Academy also recognized Miskelly for his service during its Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday.