Contributions to the tribute of Howard W. "Yogi" Bernard

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Patrick and Ann Martin planted a tree in memory of Howard Bernard

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

With loving memories of Yogi, a great mentor to many and loved by all!

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christian heidorf uploaded photo(s)

Monday, September 19, 2022

LTC Christian Heidorf, FA, NYARNG (ret). My sincerest condolonces to the family of this highly respected military leader for his passing. I remember very well the sincere mentorship and friendship with FSG Bernard when I was 156th FA HHQ Battery Commander, Kingston, NY. His advice, guidance and support were nothing less that superb. We had MANY very good discussions about the role of a commander and the leadership he expected to see. He however told me point blank, with a smile, "Your now a Battery Commander, Now Command!" I never forgotten those kind words and paid attention to them throughout my career. May GOD rest his soul and for those of us left behind, honor his committment to, respect for, memory of, fortidude possessed and candidness given with those that were appointed to lead his battery.

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LTC (ret.) Patrick Martin uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Yoga and prayers to the Bernard family. 1SG Howard Bernard or otherwise known affectionately as "Yogi" as he so loved his NY Yankees. He was a genuine good person who gave back to his community through coaching softball and basketball, and had a passion for playing softball too. When I left active duty, I joined the NY Army National Guard as a Support Platoon Leader in Headquarters Battery, 156 Field Artillery Battalion, in Kingston, NY. Yogi was the 1SG for HQ Battery, he took me under his wing, and Sheppard me in the ways of working of the battalion. We both lived in the Capital District (Albany, NY), and being new to the area, I didn't have any friends or relatives, he would invite me to watch local baseball games, have me over to his house for bar-b-q's and swimming. Ann also eventually shared in this experience with me, Yogi, and his wife Nancy. He also loved playing match maker and he tried setting me up a few times and this is one task I'm glad he failed at with me :-) Yoga was a textbook servant-leader, mentor, patriot, and friend to me and loved by many. Last night, I kept replaying in my head, seeing him leaning over the chain iron fence between third base and home plate giving advice and strategy to his players / team. And seeing his smile when he attended our wedding on June 21, 1991, sporting his signature flat top haircut, and looking sharp in his Army dress blue uniform with First Sergeant stripes along with 2LT Rob Geradino doing my "Arch of Steel" for Ann and I to walk beneath. Or the times he took part in the 156 FA annual golf tournaments, where he and other former 156h FA HQ Battery First Sergeants, dubbed themselves the “Four Tops.” Rest easy "Top," we'll fill our canteens together again in Fiddler's Green and meet on the high ground someday. A dear friend, Melissa Stewart-Caldwell, shared this with me and it has provided me comfort. LTC(ret.) Patrick Martin U.S. Army, 156 FA, Support Platoon Leader, Battalion S-4, and Alpha Battery Commander Flower Mound, Texas

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MARIANNE WALKER posted a condolence

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Friend and roadtrip buddy. As he called me wife #4. Little did we know 42 years ago while dancing at your wedding we would grow to be old friends. You made my friend happy for many years and I thank you for it. I will always cherish the time we spent together and many laughs. Rest in Peace my friend.

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CSM (ret) Jeff Gliedman posted a condolence

Sunday, September 18, 2022

First Sergeant Bernard will be sadly missed. While a member of the 156th I had the pleasure of serving with “Yogi”. A true gentleman, professional and patriot. He was always looking out for the soldiers he served with and always had the best interests of the soldiers under his command. My sincere condolences to you and your family. CSM (ret) Jeff Gliedman

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LTC (RET) Steve May posted a condolence

Saturday, September 17, 2022

The members of the 156 Field Artillery Veterans Association extend their heartfelt sympathies and prayers to Nancy, Michael and the entire Bernard family on their loss. We pray God's hand of grace, comfort, strength and peace be upon each one as He walks with them during this difficult time. Those of us who served with Yogi remember his strength and skills as a leader both in uniform as well as in the sports arena. He will be truly missed. ARTILLERYMAN'S PRAYER: I pray that I may live to shoot until my dying day. And when it comes to my last round I then must humbly pray. When in the Lord's great FDC being judged for all I do. He takes my hand, smiles and says "you're a Redleg through and through". With lanyard and compass by my side, the Lord speaks these words to me. "Welcome home, you've served me well, come join my battery". Rest in Peace First Sergeant - - - - Semper Proceedamus LTC (RET) Steve May

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The family of Howard W. "Yogi" Bernard uploaded a photo

Friday, September 16, 2022

Howard W. "Yogi" Bernard

1943 - 2022

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