CW2 Howard is the Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Command and Control (C2) Systems Integrator for 3rd Battalion, 265th ADA Regiment. From November 2020 to October 2021, CW2 Howard deployed in support of Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) operations within Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Spartan Shield. CW2 Howard was responsible for the SHORAD integration and defense of critical assets within Central Command (CENTCOM) across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). CW2 Howard’s integration efforts enhanced theater-wide Early Warning of one-way attack UAS, improved base defense efforts, developed innovative Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for FIM-92 Stinger interceptors, and enhanced the regional air picture to enable more effective C-UAS engagements. During the height of operations in theater, he directly supported assured protection of three of the top assets on the CENTCOM Prioritized Critical Asset List and was responsible for the Joint Data Network’s coverage of the 120,000 square kilometers airspace over Central and Northern Iraq and Eastern Syria. CW2 Howard continuously improved the operations by leading integration efforts between Army, Marines, and Air Force to ensure readiness against UAS across CENCTOM. CW2 Howard was also instrumental in establishing record times to Full Operational Capability status in KSA and Iraq. He improved the network architecture to enhance situational awareness resulting in early identification of a KAS-04 drone enroute to Camp Bashur and the National Guard’s historic SHORAD engagement of threat aircraft. CW2 Howard was born in Ft. Myers, Florida in October 1983 but currently lives in Saint Augustine, Florida with his wife Melissa Howard. After graduating with a High School Diploma, he entered the Florida Army National Guard in February 2002. He completed an Associate’s Degree in General Studies and a Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training from Florida Gulf Coast University and then a Masters of Health Science in Athletic Training with a Certificate of Leadership and Administration in Athletic Training from the University of St. Augustine. CW2 Howard earned an Educational Doctorate in Health Sciences degree with Specialization in Teaching and Learning through the University of St. Augustine in 2021, completing his dissertation while deployed in CENTCOM. CW2 Howard served as both an Avenger Crewmember and Early Warning Systems Operator during his enlisted career.