George W. (Jr.) Howell

George W. Howell, Jr., age 88, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, in Silver Spring, MD. He was an affectionate, friendly, dedicated, and hardworking individual who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. He truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. He had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. Proceeded in death his beloved wife, Blanche Howell and son, Reginald Howell. He is survived by his goddaughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

With more than 30 years in uniform, he rose through the enlisted ranks to become the Command Sergeant Major of the US Army Intelligence and Security Command. He entered the Army in 1954, as a Machine Gunner with the 502nd Airborne Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. His other assignments included duty with Field Artillery, Airborne, Special Forces, Signal, and Military Intelligence units in Germany, Thailand, Vietnam, Hawaii, and the Continental United States.

From 1972-1975, he served successfully as Senior Enlisted Instructor, Operations Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Sergeant Major in the Combined Arms Battalion, and Command Sergeant Major of the 2nd School Battalion; all at the US Army Intelligence Center and School, Fort Huachuca. He served from 1975-1978 in the 25th Infantry Division, Hawaii, as G2 Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major of the 125th Signal Battalion. From 1978-1982, he was Command Sergeant Major of the US Army Electronics Research and Development Command, Adelphi, Maryland. He served as Command Sergeant Major of INSCOM from 1982 until his retirement in 1985.

After retirement from the US Army in 1985, he joined and worked for the Intelligence and Security Office at the US Army Research Laboratory and retired as chief of Intelligence & Security Office in 2012. He served and dedicated more than 50 years of his life in uniform and federal career for the United States.

George awards include the Legion of Merit (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Good Conduct Medal (9 Oak Leaf Clusters). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987 and served as the first Honorable Sergeant Major of the MI Corps from 1987-1990. He was a Distinguished Member of the Corps.

George personality brought warmth and joy to everyone he encountered, and his passing will be mourned deeply by everyone who knew and loved him. He will always inspire those around him with his kindheartedness, generosity and unforgettable spirit. His memory will remain in the hearts of his family, loved ones, friends and all those who were honored to have had the privilege of knowing him. Family, friends, loved ones and other whose lives George touched are invited to the Donald V. Borgwardt Funeral Home, 4400 Powder Mill Rd, Beltsville, MD 20705, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, to reminisce, grieve, and support each other.

George will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. (Note: Date & Time TBD by Arlington National Cemetery).