For Gary Harrer of Howland, Ohio, military service was a calling shaped by family, preparation, and a desire to serve during peacetime. Though his older brother, a Vietnam War veteran, rarely spoke of his combat experiences, Harrer still felt drawn to the U.S. Army. His story, marked by dedication to duty and a long career in both military and civilian life, offers a grounded and respectful look at the life of a peacetime veteran who found purpose in service and skills that carried him far beyond the barracks of Fort Bragg.

Harrer graduated from Buckeye High School in Medina in 1978, and after a short stint working in a factory, he enlisted in the Army in 1979. He served on active duty until 1983 and remained on reserve status for an additional two years. His decision to enlist was not based on conflict or obligation, but rather on a personal sense of responsibility. “It was peace time. It was something that I felt I needed to do, to serve the country,” Harrer said.

His vocational training in auto mechanics during high school proved immediately valuable. The Army recognized his prior experience by awarding him one stripe upon entry, a small but meaningful acknowledgment of his preparation. His first assignment took him to Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina—his first trip to the southern United States and his first time flying. Harrer recalled the cultural differences of the late 1970s with a sense of reflection, noting, “You could still smoke on a plane then. It was the ’70s. Everything was so different.”

Basic training introduced Harrer to military discipline and camaraderie, though not all interactions were positive. He shared an incident where he had to restrain a fellow soldier who had become aggressive while intoxicated. Still, the experience taught him to handle difficult situations with composure. Following basic training, he remained at Fort Jackson for Advanced Individual Training, where he learned to repair military vehicles—skills that would define much of his service.

Harrer was later stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he spent the majority of his active duty. Initially working in the motor pool, he repaired jeeps and larger military transport vehicles. He also served as a driver for his company commander. Eventually, he was assigned a secondary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and transitioned to driving trucks, a role he embraced during his final year and a half of service.

His unit, the 659th Maintenance Company, supported the 82nd Airborne Division. Harrer described the logistical challenges of acquiring vehicle parts, which required early morning waits to secure commercial vehicles. Despite the inconvenience, the task came with perks. “They used to get me out of all the physical training. I didn’t have to run. I ran 4 miles, but very seldom. It had its advantages,” he said with a hint of humor.

When his enlistment ended, Harrer had the option to re-enlist, possibly with an overseas assignment. However, he chose to return home to Ohio, drawn by a job opportunity and perhaps a desire for stability. He resumed work at the factory that had held his position during his military service, a wire harness manufacturer in Ashtabula known as Alphabet, later Stoneridge Electronics. Over the next 34 years, Harrer advanced from an hourly worker to plant superintendent and eventually an engineer at the company’s corporate office.

His military background played a significant role in that progression. “Because of my military, they recognized that and they offered me a position to be a supervisor’s helper,” he explained. That recognition of leadership and technical ability helped shape a long and successful civilian career. Even when his department was eventually moved to Mexico, Harrer approached the transition with professionalism, training his replacement and accepting a severance package reflective of his decades of service.

In retirement, Harrer has continued to engage with his passion for vehicles. He has restored numerous classic cars and participates in car shows, keeping his mechanical skills alive. It’s a fitting continuation of a life that has always revolved around engines, discipline, and craftsmanship.

Harrer’s reflections on his time in the Army are filled with gratitude and a clear sense of growth. “Looking back, I wouldn’t change it. It made me grow up. It gave me a lot of responsibility. I would not change that for the world. I was very immature before I went in,” he said. His story underscores how military service, even during peacetime, can be a transformative experience—building character, offering opportunity, and shaping a life of purpose.

Gary Harrer’s journey from Fort Jackson to Fort Bragg, and eventually to a leadership role in private industry, illustrates how military training and values can translate into lifelong success. His story is a reminder that service comes in many forms, and that the skills developed in uniform often echo far beyond the years spent in active duty.

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