SFC William G. Howard, Company D, 1st Bn., 1st Aviation Regiment, Germany

The Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) has announced its Calendar Year 2004 National Award Winners. Winning units and individuals are being recognized at the AAAA Annual Convention, being held this week, May 9-11, 2005, in Orlando, Fla. The AAAA Annual Convention provides an opportunity for its members to gather with government and industry representatives concerned with Army Aviation and participate in the professional program and exhibits.

The first AAAA Annual Convention was held in June 1959 and has taken place every year since then. In recent years, the sites of the AAAA Annual Convention have included Atlanta, Ga.; Fort Worth, Texas and Nashville, Tenn.

Sergeant First Class William G. Howard is a true professional whose performance was absolutely critical to the 1st Battalion's success in combat and execution of over 1,480 air missions and flying more than 11,000 hours in support of ground forces across the entire breadth of Iraq. His mission focus, knowledge and supervision during maintenance operations resulted in the completion of 38 phases, fifty five 125-hour and seven 250-hour inspections in fewer than 12 months under combat conditions and a 98 percent mission launch rate during a year of 24-hour operations.

In addition, seven of his unit's aircraft were transferred to him after having already completed a 15-month tour of duty in the harsh Iraqi environment with only a combat phase for their last inspection.

These war-weary aircraft were nursed back to health as a result of SFC Howard's meticulous supervision of his crew and attention to detail. SFC Howard's management was also key in the execution of ten successful downed aircraft recovery team missions.

His planning and organization ensured that the DART team always deployed in less than 60 minutes from notification.

His from-the-front leadership also inspired and ensured the survival of his Soldiers. When his convoy was ambushed during its initial march north to Baghdad, Howard quickly directed the counter-fire of his section to repel the enemy assault and inflict maximum casualties on the attackers. His courage under fire was critical in the convoy's successful breaking of contact with the enemy.

SFC Howard is the ultimate Soldier and Aviation non-commissioned officer, always there leading and mentoring his troops.

FMI: www.quad-a.org