Howard Katz - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

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World War 2

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the World War 2.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2024 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
US Army Staff Sergeant World War II Howard Katz was born September 7, 1927, and drafted into the Army in 1945 after graduating from high school. Howard served as a trumpet player in the jazz and big concert bands of that era. He played trumpet in high school, and during his entrance into the service, based on his instrument proficiency, Howard was diverted to work with an Army band. Howard attended boot camp just like every other soldier and was directly posted to serve with the band stationed at the Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. This hospital was a 1500-bed, general military hospital. The former Battle Creek Sanitarium building was purchased from Dr. John H. Kellogg, older brother of the cereal entrepreneur. The hospital was renamed after Col. Percy L. Jones. Col. Jones was an Army surgeon who developed the model for evacuating the wounded from the battlefield. The hospital band played to the recovering troops evacuated to the US after being wounded overseas. Howard recounted that the hospital was full after the D-day invasion, and the band provided moral support and a touch of home. The band played in some fashion almost every evening for the troops. Howard also loved playing with the visiting USO dance bands. He recalled the joy they brought to the troops. The USO band provided music at dances in the hospital and in town. Howard recalled being tasked to serve as the band's conductor for some of the performances. Howard was released from active service under the sole survivor program after his older brother's death in combat. After the war, Howard was married to Arlette, and they had three children. They spent many years together while he continued his life as a professional musician. Howard did not recall his rank while serving, but most professional musicians were promoted to Staff Sergeant after being selected to join the Army band. Howard traveled all over the world playing with many, many big bands and orchestras, including the Ken Rhodes Big Band.
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Howard Katz - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
US Army Staff Sergeant World War II Howard Katz was born September 7, 1927, and drafted into the Army in 1945 after graduating from high school. Howard served as a trumpet player in the jazz and big concert bands of that era. He played trumpet in high school, and during his entrance into the service, based on his instrument proficiency, Howard was diverted to work with an Army band. Howard attended boot camp just like every other soldier and was directly posted to serve with the band stationed at the Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. This hospital was a 1500-bed, general military hospital. The former Battle Creek Sanitarium building was purchased from Dr. John H. Kellogg, older brother of the cereal entrepreneur. The hospital was renamed after Col. Percy L. Jones. Col. Jones was an Army surgeon who developed the model for evacuating the wounded from the battlefield. The hospital band played to the recovering troops evacuated to the US after being wounded overseas. Howard recounted that the hospital was full after the D-day invasion, and the band provided moral support and a touch of home. The band played in some fashion almost every evening for the troops. Howard also loved playing with the visiting USO dance bands. He recalled the joy they brought to the troops. The USO band provided music at dances in the hospital and in town. Howard recalled being tasked to serve as the band's conductor for some of the performances. Howard was released from active service under the sole survivor program after his older brother's death in combat. After the war, Howard was married to Arlette, and they had three children. They spent many years together while he continued his life as a professional musician. Howard did not recall his rank while serving, but most professional musicians were promoted to Staff Sergeant after being selected to join the Army band. Howard traveled all over the world playing with many, many big bands and orchestras, including the Ken Rhodes Big Band.