Judge Howard Aison graduated from Syracuse University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts. At that time, he also received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps through the Syracuse University Army ROTC program. He subsequently received a Juris doctorate, Doctor of Jurisprudence, from Brooklyn Law School in 1970.
From June 1970 until February 1972, CPT Aison was assigned to the 52 Aviation Combat Battalion in the central highlands in the Republic of Vietnam. His duties included work as a JAG Prosecuting Attorney and a Defense Attorney as well as a Foreign Claims Officer. For his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star.
From 1973-1975, he served as the Officer in Charge of the City of Amsterdam, NY, Legal Aid Society. In this position he provided legal services to the indigent. Judge Aison provided a full range of civil legal services, as well as criminal defense work and juvenile representation in Family Court to the poor of Amsterdam, ensuring that poverty was not a barrier to accessing the justice system. Judge Aison continued his remarkable record of community service by being elected and serving as the Montgomery County District Attorney from 1979-1985. As the District Attorney, he aggressively served the people by establishing strict enforcement of the driving while intoxicated laws. He developed and implemented strong enforcement programs combating the sale and transport of illicit drugs. Judge Aison also led a task force consisting of the New York State Investigation Committee into gambling and other fraudulent activities.
From 1986-1995, Judge Aison was elected and served as the Montgomery County Judge. While on the bench, he distinguished himself by running a very professional Court. He presided over 135 felony trials going to verdict. He was a Law-and-Order Judge, earning the respect of the entire community.
In 1996, Judge Aison began his service in the County’s busiest court, the City of Amsterdam Court, where he continues to serve today. Judge Aison oversees over 100 cases weekly tending to both criminal and civil proceedings. He also serves the community as a member of Post 55 of the Veterans of Foreign War and is a member of the JWV Post 401, American Legion Post 38 and the AMVETS Post 21. He is an avid Syracuse University sports fan and continues to visit the campus supporting the great Orange teams.