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People on the Move: Air Force Capt. William Howard

  • Published
  • By Bob Fehringer
  • U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Capt. William Howard has sung the national anthem more than 100 times at venues such as a nationally televised auto race, a professional baseball game, college football and hockey games and at a ceremony welcoming past Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Sheila Widnall. 

When not starring as a vocalist, Captain Howard says he helps others to shine.
"I'm a 38F force support officer," Captain Howard, 41, said. "I'm currently in a career broadening assignment as a protocol officer for USTRANSCOM." 

Captain Howard's Air Force career nearly became a Navy career. "I originally intended to go in the Navy, since my father was a World War II Navy veteran," he said. "After I took my ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test in high school, the Navy recruiters contacted me for the Navy nuke program, but the Air Force sold me on aircraft avionics." 

Captain Howard, an Amarillo, Texas, native, entered the Air Force in 1989 and was a member of the enlisted force for a good part of his career. "I spent the first eight years in the Air Force as an F-111/F-15 avionics automatic test station technician before becoming a PME (professional military education) instructor. 

"At the 12 year mark, my boss talked me into pursuing a commission," Captain Howard continued. "After receiving my commission, I was privileged to be a section commander in the same unit I was assigned as a first-term airman. My career had come full circle." 

Captain Howard now spends his duty hours seeing to the details that make USTRANSCOM's VIP visits and ceremonies special for those in attendance. "We offer full spectrum support for visiting DVs (distinguished visitors)," he said. "That includes everything from making sure they have proper billeting and secure communications to creature comforts like their favorite beverages." 

Captain Howard says he has enjoyed his two years working with the combined military services here. 

"The hooah-factor of the joint environment is amazing," he said. "Everywhere you turn, someone has an amazing story of their experience in the total force. What an education for a junior officer like me. Being a part of USTRANSCOM is like having a window-seat on history." 

Captain Howard lives on Scott with his wife, LaNisa, and their children Megan, 16, Kayla, 15, Will, 11, Emily, 7, and Alisa, 6. His hobbies include music, multimedia production and theater.