03/13/2026
At Ireland Army Health Clinic in Fort Knox, Grace Howard is often the very first face patients see when they walk into the clinic. As an Administrative Assistant supporting physical therapy services, she helps set the tone for quality care from the moment a soldier walks through the door.
For Grace, serving at Fort Knox is personal. She shares: “My father was in the Army for 24 years and he retired here at Fort Knox, so Fort Knox is always close to my heart.” That connection is reflected in the pride, empathy, and dedication she brings to her work each day.
Working in physical therapy allows Grace to build meaningful relationships with patients throughout their recovery. “I see these patients twice a week, sometimes more. I can build relationships with them, talk with them, and get to know them and their families. It’s really special.”
Recovery isn’t always easy. Soldiers who are accustomed to being mission-ready may be navigating physical and emotional challenges after surgery. Grace and her team are intentional about fostering an environment that supports healing in every sense.
“It’s important to give people grace and understanding when you’re working face to face with them,” Grace says. “You don’t always know what’s going on in their personal life, but you know that they may be in pain. We want to give them the best care we can, no matter what.”
Her commitment to patient-centered care reaches beyond daily interactions. Grace recently played a key role in planning and implementing the clinic’s seasonal decorations, ensuring installations were completed safely and without disrupting patient care. Her creativity helped boost morale, ease stress, and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Supervisors received numerous compliments from patients and visitors—an affirmation of the positive impact she makes.
By cultivating a supportive environment, building genuine connections, and uplifting those around her, Grace helps every patient feel seen, valued, and encouraged from the moment their recovery journey begins.
Thank you, Grace, for the steady heart you bring to Fort Knox and for the role you play in delivering quality care to those who serve. 💙