Eyewitness News Salutes: Corey Howard, U.S. Navy petty officer first class

CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC 7 Eyewitness News Salutes a U.S. Navy sailor who is serving in Virginia but has roots in Chicago. Petty Officer First Class Corey Howard, a Chicago native, is currently on-board the USS Forrest Sherman, one of the world's most versatile multi-mission combat ships.

The seasoned sailor is also a 2001 graduate of Whitney Young Magnet High School. In the Navy, Howard is an interior communication electrician and he also is responsible for leading 15 sailors.

"I teach my sailors to become better technicians for themselves and the Navy," Howard says. "What they take from me, along with their personal experiences, can help set them up for success."

Howard also notes how deployments have enlightened his perspective.

"I've seen other places and how bad others have it," he says. "I know how fortunate we are as Americans, and I want to make sure we perverse that. I appreciate our rights as Americans."

And that's why ABC7 salutes Petty Officer First Class Howard.