Honoring Local WWII Veteran Howard Baroudi
August 14, 2025
At Residences at Vantage Point, we believe in celebrating the remarkable stories of those who have served our country. That is why we are proud to share a tribute created by the Students Partner with Veterans (SPV) club at River Hill High School: a poster honoring local WWII veteran Howard Baroudi, one of our esteemed residents.
A Student-Led Effort Honoring Local WWII Veteran
The Veteran Poster Project, led by SPV Club President Vivian Raj, began in November 2024 to preserve and highlight the lives of veterans—especially those from World War II and those living in senior communities or hospitals. According to Vivian, “The purpose of this project is to honor veterans by creating personalized posters that celebrate their military service and also some unique aspects of their lives—their favorite hobbies and interests.”
How the Club Chose Howard Baroudi
The club’s path to Howard was circuitous. First, at a Bailey’s Bundles packing event at the VFW, Vivian mentioned the club’s poster project to vice chair of Howard County Veterans Association Wanda Riddle. Next, Wanda reached out to Residences at Vantage Point resident Judith Dye, who then connected Vivian to Howard. Vivian subsequently interviewed Mr. Baroudi at Residences at Vantage Point on April 7, 2025. “We felt very honored to get the chance to interview Mr. Baroudi,” Vivian said.
Honoring a Life of Courage and Service
Born in North Creek, New York, Howard began working in local mines at age 12. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Navy to follow in the footsteps of his brother. He jokes that he chose the Navy to avoid snakes that his brother said he found under his Army cot.
Howard’s wartime service included the Aleutian Islands Campaign, the Invasion of Tarawa, the Battle of Okinawa and the rescue of survivors from the USS Chicago. He also served aboard the USS Edwards, one of the most decorated ships in Navy history.
Student Club Making a Difference
The River Hill High School SPV club is composed of 12 active members and has completed three posters so far. They engage in various other outreach efforts as well. Some examples include parades, flag retirement ceremonies, care package drives through Bailey’s Bundles and classroom door decorations for teacher-veterans.
You can explore more of the SPV club’s community involvement here: SPV Community Outreach
Howard Baroudi’s Poster
Howard Baroudi’s poster was presented on June 14, 2025, at Residences at Vantage Point. “Once printed, we give these posters to the veterans so they can display them in or outside their rooms and share them with staff and friends,” Vivian explained. “The hope is that the posters will serve as a meaningful way to spark conversations with visitors and residents who may share similar interests or just want to learn more about the veterans’ service.”
She then added, “We believe that veterans don’t get as much appreciation as they should sometimes for all that they sacrificed. So, this ongoing project is also to honor them.”
You can view Howard’s poster online here: Howard Baroudi WWII Veteran Poster
To see all of SPV club’s posters, visit: Veteran Poster Project Gallery
Community Support Behind the Project
Vivian expressed gratitude for the role of the local VFW, particularly John Spain, in supporting the club’s poster project and printing the posters.
Meanwhile, the partnership between the SPV club and communities like Residences at Vantage Point underscores the importance of intergenerational storytelling. As Vivian shared, “We think it’s important for students to take an interest in veterans’ lives so we can learn from their strength and perseverance. Obviously, they went through so many challenges during their time in service. When they talk about it, we can learn from their experiences and use those life lessons when we face our own challenges.”
Learn More and Join Us in Honoring Local WWII Veteran Heroes
Residences at Vantage Point is grateful to Vivian Raj and the River Hill High School SPV club for their dedication to honoring local WWII veterans. Their tribute to Howard Baroudi brings his extraordinary journey to light and focuses us on the power of remembrance.
Let us continue to honor and celebrate the lives of those who served—with appreciation, respect and enduring gratitude.