MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- After 50 years, retired Lt. Col. Thomas H. Howell, former Air Command and Staff College instructor, returned to Maxwell for a tour of ACSC on July 21.
Howell was originally selected to attend ACSC in 1972 for a one-year assignment, but stayed for four years, where he cemented his place in history as the first African American instructor at ACSC. Coming back to his hometown proved to be Howell’s most rewarding assignment, he said.
“The tour was an incredible opportunity to bridge generations and celebrate part of our great Air Force’s warrior heritage,” said Col. Benjamin Hatch, ACSC commander. “Many thanks as well to the library team who found Howell’s original ACSC research paper from 1973 - proof that great ideas can stand the test of time, even after undergoing the rigor of faculty grading!”
During their ACSC tour, Howell and his wife of 61 years, Vernell, received a mission brief, attended student discussion seminars and visited the library and archives, a unique and memorable experience for one of ACSC’s own alumni.
“The tour was more than I ever expected, it brought back a whole lot of memories,” said Howell. “I was here over 50 years ago, but what struck me was the similarities between then and now. There’s a lot of changes, of course, in technology, but the basic principles are the same. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for a life highlight experience.”
Howell was born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama. His parents, George and Elva Howell, were employed by the college, and as a young man, Howell was exposed to many of the campus activities. He especially enjoyed watching the Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets marching in parades, and felt inspired by his older brother, George Jr., who was commissioned as an Air Force officer through the ROTC program.
Following his graduation from Tuskegee Institute High School, Howell attended Ohio Wesleyan University where he majored in Sociology and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1961. He played on the college lacrosse team for three years and was selected for the “All-Midwest” team.
Howell served in various capacities, both overseas and stateside, during his 21-year Air Force career. His overseas tours included assignments in Germany and Vietnam. As an intelligence officer, Howell was responsible for providing intelligence analysis support for tactical and strategic air operations. He also served as chief of the Current Intelligence Branch for Middle East Operations while assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency. Howell’s awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star.
Between Howell and his brother, there are over 40 years of service, making the Howell military connection strong. Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Darryl Howell, Thomas’ son, recently retired from the U.S. Navy after 31 years of service.
Maj. Christopher Tobiere, ACSC Department of Airpower instructor and advisor, said the Howells were both extremely grateful for the visit, and equally impressed with the caliber of work ACSC conducts as an academic institution.
“I want to thank the team for their help in creating something truly incredible for the Howells,” he said. “I am honored to be a part of this distinguished team.”