Bruce Howard:  

Life After graduation from Paint Branch High School, I joined the US Air Force as an F-15 mechanic. I went through Basic Training and Tech School in Texas, and then was assigned to Langley AFB, VA with the 49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. I served three years on active duty and got out on a program called “Palace Chase” which allows active duty people to get out early to go to college, but they have to give two months to the Reserves for every month of commitment left. I was assigned to the 459th Airlift Wing as a mechanic on C-141’s at Andrews AFB, MD. I worked several odd jobs while going to college. I started at Essex Community College, transferred to the University of Maryland, but finished my B.S. from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I worked as everything from a mechanists milling metal parts to an EMT working in Alexandria Emergency Room. After graduating, I got a position with Booz Allen & Hamilton as a consultant using my aviation background to help the DoD customers. After 13 years as an enlisted member of the reserves, and achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant, I also was selected through the Deserving A...Expand for more