Missing local Hero/Pleasant Grove Native (USAF Veteran)

Howard Lamar Stanford, PGHS Class of '89, has been missing since September 1, 2009. Howard's vehicle was found abandoned at the Oak Mountain State Park in the parking lot of the beach area. He is believed to be carrying a Timberland back pack. It was reported that a man carrying a backpack was last seen leaving the Oak Mountain park when the park was closing on the evening of September 2nd. Howard does suffer from a mental condition called PTSD but is only harmful to himself should he fail to take the prescribed medication. Howard served his Country in the United States Air Force. He has been sent to Iraq twice in his military career and retired after his second tour of the Mid East. Any information on Howard or sightings should be reported to local or state law enforcement or contact Betty Stanford at 1(205)637-0655.