Howard Hayden is not a quitter.

In 1991, he signed up with LVA Chippewa Valley/Eau Claire, WI, because he wanted to pass the test for a commercial driver�s license. In 1992, Howard completed the test, a difficult exam normally taken in stages, in just one day.

For Howard, learning to read turned out to be more than a means to a new job, it was the first step on a journey into his past. After passing the driver�s test, Howard had gained the confidence to decide to write a memoir of his experiences in Vietnam. Susan and Howard reviewed his military papers, found some discrepancies, and worked together to correct his record with the U.S. Army Records Center. At first, every request was granted but one: the Army said it was �unable to verify entitlement to the fourth award of the Purple Heart.�

Howard submitted the claim twice more and was rejected. In the meantime, Howard and Susan won the Tic Tac REACH Award in December 1998. Late in 1999, they gathered together Howard�s supporting documents; a copy of his published book, A Soldier�s Story: Tracks, Tunnels, and the Tet Offensive; a picture of Howard and Susan winning the REACH Award; and several press clippings describing Howard�s journey from non-reader to published author. For the fourth time, they submitted Howard�s claim to the Army. Shortly thereafter, the Army reversed itself and granted the fourth Purple Heart.

Before learning to read, Howard was withdrawn and angry. Today Howard is a public speaker and a member his affiliate�s board of directors. �I don�t hide in a corner anymore,� he said. He is open about his life, and many newspaper articles have been written about Howard. The April issue of Mature Outlook, the magazine of the Mature Outlook organization, a service provided by Sears, Roebuck and Co., features a story about Howard and Susan.

Howard said he would encourage anyone thinking of seeking help. �It�s a smart idea. I�ve had a rough life and you can�t get anywhere without reading and writing,� he said.

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