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.