Some people find a career. Others find a calling. For Israel Ham, the Army became both. When he enlisted in the U.S. Army, his intentions were practical. Like many young men, he was looking for a way to pay for college through the GI Bill. What he didn’t realize was that the Army would become more than a stepping stone; it would become his life’s work. Over the next 33 years, Israel built a career defined by service, discipline, and leadership, rising from Private to Colonel.

His military journey began as an E1 enlisted soldier. With determination, he quickly moved up to Sergeant before attending Officer Candidate School, where he earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant. From there, his career took him across the globe: Fort Benning and Fort Stewart in Georgia, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, a posting at Camp Walker in South Korea, deployments to Kuwait and Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan’s Camp Spann. Each assignment brought new challenges, responsibilities, and lessons that shaped the leader he became.

One of the most memorable experiences came in 2015 during Operation Ulchi Freedom at Yongsan Garrison in Seoul, South Korea. As Support Operations Officer, Israel and his team worked under constant tension. At one point, North Korea launched a missile toward their camp near the DMZ. It failed to explode, but the moment underscored the seriousness of their mission. Despite the danger, Israel remembers something else even more vividly: the Korean people. “They were warm, accepting, and welcoming of U.S. troops,” he recalls. “Their culture and traditions were wonderful and eye-opening.”

Over his three-decade career, Israel earned some of the nation’s highest awards, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, four Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, and four Army Achievement Medals. He also earned the Airborne Parachutist Badge, marking his training as part of one of the Army’s most demanding schools. Each medal represents not just his service, but the countless soldiers he led and served alongside.

Israel was the first in his family to join the military, but his service has created a lasting legacy. Today, he continues to support the veteran community as a life member of VFW Post 9143 in Cumming and as part of American Legion Post 127 in Sugar Hill. He also volunteers with the City of Chamblee Police Auxiliary and is working toward becoming a Legion Rider. Soon, he hopes to dedicate time as a volunteer at the Hall County Animal Shelter.

Israel retired from the Army on July 31, 2025, closing a remarkable chapter of service. But life hasn’t slowed down. He and his wife, Connie, herself a 30-year Department of Defense retiree, now manage the family’s construction hardware store in Atlanta. The business was started by Israel’s parents in 2002, and after years of hard work, they are now enjoying a well-earned retirement while living with Israel and Connie. Family remains the heart of their lives. Israel’s aunt, along with his cousin Norman Lee, his wife Sirinya, and their daughters Evelyn and Eleanor, live just a street over in Sterling on the Lake, keeping family ties close.

At home, life revolves around their daughters Brianna, a junior at Georgia State University studying Computer Information Systems, and Alisa, a freshman at Flowery Branch High School. They also have a lively nine-month-old Cavachon puppy named Roxey, who keeps everyone on their toes.

Reflecting on his journey, Israel offers advice to young people considering military service: “It is a great experience that will change your life forever. You’ll never regret the lessons you learn or the friends you meet. You’ll be part of the one percent who proudly wears the uniform and serves the greatest nation on earth.”