U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Howard L. Watkins

Tech. Sgt. Howard L. Watkins is a 17-year veteran of the United States Air Force and is currently serving as part of the Why We Serve speakers program.  He recently returned from assignment in Iraq and is speaking to groups around the country about his personal experiences serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In December 2006, Watkins deployed to Iraq with the 70th Medium Truck Detachment, head quartered in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.  While deployed, Watkins served as a Convoy Commander and led 18 missions and traveled over 20,000 miles throughout Iraq and Kuwait.  His convoys were attacked multiple times, and Watkins’ unit defended themselves against enemy fire and improved explosive devices.

Watkins is currently stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. and is assigned as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Dispatch Operations with the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron.  Born and raised in Seligman, Mo., Watkins graduated from Southwest High-School and received a degree in Social Psychology from Park University.  Watkins followed in his father’s footsteps as he was stationed with the 101st Airborne Division in 1944.  Watkins is married to his wife Jennifer and the proud father of Nathan and Christina.

Watkins’ decorations include being awarded the Bronze Star, Air Force Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and was named the Air Combat Command Transportation Non-Commissioned Officer of 2006.