Today, on Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who raised their hand and swore an oath to defend the United States. At RouteReady CDL Academy, that commitment is familiar. It is something we see every day in the work and leadership of our Head of Training and Compliance, Howard Ogg.

Howard enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 17 years old. He completed basic training at Fort Dix and advanced training at Fort Lee, then was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He later deployed overseas with the 4-229th Advanced Attack Helicopter Regiment — the “Flying Tigers” during Operation Desert Storm.

Howard served as a fuel hauler for Apache attack helicopters, moving tanker trucks through active combat zones to keep aircraft operational. His deployment took him from Illesheim, Germany, to Saudi Arabia, and then into Iraq behind enemy lines. He worked under intense conditions — from the burning oil fields in Kuwait to convoys exposed to missile fire, small arms fire, and land mines.

For his service, Howard earned several honors, including:

• Desert Storm Campaign Medal
• Humanitarian Service Medal for relief efforts in villages in southern Iraq
• Army Commendation Medal with Valor (twice)
• Bronze Star for actions against the Iraqi Republican Guard

He also declined two Purple Hearts.

After returning home, Howard continued his commitment to public service. He served as a Supervisor for the State of Colorado CDL Compliance Unit, helping ensure drivers across the state were trained and licensed safely and responsibly.

Today, he brings that same dedication to RouteReady CDL Academy as our Head of Training and Compliance. Howard trains new drivers, mentors students, and helps them gain the confidence and skill to build solid careers and provide for their families. His leadership is rooted in the same principles he lived in uniform: responsibility, discipline, teamwork, and pride in honest work.

“I swore an oath to defend this country. I still hold those ideals. Now I serve by helping others take responsibility, learn a trade, and move forward in life.”

We are honored to have Howard on our team, and honored to recognize him today.

To all who have served, thank you.

From our family to yours — Happy Veterans Day.

-RouteReady CDL Academy