Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. –
Since taking over as the 633rd Air Base Wing's command chief in May, Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Howell has found his stride at wing headquarters. He's been able to take the vast experience he's acquired throughout his nearly 30-year career and apply it to daily situations, from mentoring Airmen to tackling the tough logistical challenges of joint basing.
"I've been in Ops most of my career. I've been able to travel to many different locations, whether it was for an assignment or for TDY. And I've been able to work for a lot of great people who have shaped who I am today," said Howell. "As an Ops guy coming to an air base wing, it's been a challenge because as an aircrew guy I'm very compliance driven. When you're flying, there's only one way to do business; life, death and safety are a part of that. So I kind of bring that mentality with me, which doesn't work in a customer service environment."
Howell enlisted in the Air Force in January 1983 as an Aerospace Control and Warning Systems Operator. He has served in a variety of assignments in tactical ground and air operations including counter drug operations, and deployments to Operations Northern and Southern Watch, and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Howell also spent some time with the Combined Joint Task Force in the Horn of Africa.
A lot of people can rightfully complain their deployment was made more difficult due to high temperatures. However, Howell's time in Africa meant he was in the hottest place on the planet, literally. Temperatures in Djibouti have been recorded at more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Howell chalked it up as a great life experience, and said his experience there working in a joint environment helps him deal with the challenges of joint basing.
"Joint is all about relationships; the relationships you forge with your joint partners is what's going to get you through... That's what being in the Horn of Africa did for me. I understand the different service cultures, and that is key when you're working in a joint environment.
"We have a great model here at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and I think we're doing things right. Each and every day is always a challenge because the two installations are separated by 17 miles... We can't always be there and we can't always be here," said Howell.
Howell said his other major concern as the wing's command chief is the professional development of Airmen here.
"One of my goals is to leave here at Joint Base Langley-Eustis with a better feel that our Airmen are being professionally developed," said Howell. "I'm always looking for those opportunities, whether it's bringing in other services into our (Airman Leadership School) to attend with our students, to getting more participation in our professional development activities run by the base career assistance advisor."
His wealth of knowledge and experience mean words of wisdom seem to flow like a warm, summer stream from Howell. Airmen of all ranks can soak in the advice on how to first become technical experts, and then lead others to become a well-rounded NCO.
"I tell the Airmen at (the First Term Airman's Center) every week: learn your job as best as you can. Become an expert at what you do, then get ready to deploy. We are a nation at war; you're going to deploy so be ready, ,make sure your family is ready for you to deploy as well," said Howell.
For the mid-level NCOs, Howell said his best advice is for them to follow the three L's of leadership: 1) Listening, 2) continued Learning and 3) Looking for opportunities to lead.
"36-2618 tells us exactly what our responsibilities are as an NCO. Carry that little brown book around in your pocket and when an Airman has a question, pull it out and let them see where it's written in black and white," said Howell.
For the senior NCOs here at JBLE, Howell said the message doesn't change. We need them out with their Airmen leading.
"Continue to be involved with your NCOs and your Airmen. Don't think that just because you've become a senior NCO that leadership stops there, and you're just looking for your next stripe," said Howell. "It's important to work towards your next promotion, but do the job that you currently have and do it well. The rewards of promotion will come with that."
When not rocking the chief stripes, it turns out that Howell plays a pretty rocking guitar. You can find him on stage Sunday mornings at his church in Yorktown. It's just one of the many ways Howell has found to give back to the community.
"We here at Joint Base Langley -Eustis have a great partnership with the 633rd Air Base Wing, the 1st Fighter Wing, the 192nd (Fighter Wing) and all our tenants. We come together, we work hard, and we play hard. We have great community partners that look so highly upon Langley and give us so much. We just need to always remember that we've been given a lot as military members, as civilians and contractors; we have been given a special opportunity to be here," said Howell. "And to those who much is given, much is expected. We need to always give back because we've been given so much."