Howard A. Walters
Tech Sergeant, United States Air Force
December 7, 1969 – November 23, 2003
Age – 33
Port Huron, MI
Operation Mountain Resolve
20th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL
Died in a MH-53M Helicopter crash in Afghanistan
Tech Sgt. Walters was assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron. He was killed in a MH-53M helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Walters, an aerial gunner, was onboard the Pave Low Helicopter conducting combat operations for “Operation Mountain Resolve” when it crashed east of Bagram AFB after the engines stalled.
Howards joined the Air Force in 1988 after graduating from Port Huron High School. He was an honor student that enjoyed sports. He was very popular with his classmates because of his caring nature and sense of humor. Evan as a child, he talked about going into the Air Force to become an astronaut because of his love of science and space.
He was remembered by fellow soldiers and family as follows:
To the family of Howie Walters, my deepest condolences to you. I am so sorry for your loss, and so proud to have served with Howie at Castle AFB. Though this happened in 2003, I am just finding out now, and my heart is heavy. He was a great guy. I’ll never forget calling some number out of the phone book one night after a night partying with the boys and calling his wife of all people. He never let me live that down, lol. Kalie, his love for you was amazing and so visible, even when you were just a baby and we were all just young men, proud to be serving our country. He was so proud of you even then. God Bless you Howie, and thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice.”
Brian McIntosh
“Rest in peace Howie. I just recently found this site, so I’m a bit late with responding, my heart goes out to Howie’s wife and children. I met a guy last week who was stationed with Howie in the 20th, and he told me how the crash happened. My feelings for Howie came flooding back as if I just heard about the crash, I was devastated, I still am. I met Howie at Castle AFB when he was new to the Air Force, he was an intelligent, good natured young man who was well liked by those who knew him. I had a chance to get to know him in a way not many knew him. While we were deployed during Desert Storm, he needed someone to confide in, and he chose me. Howie was without a doubt one of the good guys. This world will be a lesser place without him in it. God bless you Howie and your family for your ultimate sacrifice.”
Paul Dunn, MSgt USAF Retired
I don’t believe people realize the affect that Howie had on all of our lives, but if you knew him you would understand why. Every day I look out into the world wondering why this had to happen to such a wonderful family, our pain will never end. I hope that everyone realizes what these men/women are actually doing when they go overseas and that there is a chance that they will not come back, it is rather scary when you think about it, but it is the truth. I have had plenty of friends who have gone over and I never gave much thought to what they were doing and the chance they were taking until I lost someone I loved, and then reality set in and the whole purpose and cause really dawned on me. It is a chance to be unselfish, a chance to give the most precious part of you. Howie was a man that realized this plight and took great pride in it. He loved his job and couldn’t wait to have his chance to fight the battle for freedom. He loved his family, his freedom, and his nation, and was never too proud to tell you otherwise. We love and miss you Howie and are all better people because of you and your family, and I am very proud and feel blessed to have known you.”
Tabatha of Hurlburt, FL
Dear Dad,
To everyone who reads this.
I just want everyone to know how special he is to me. He woke up way early on Sunday mornings to make the family breakfast. It was like eating a buffet at a restaurant. It was so good. We all loved waking up to smell of bacon, pancakes sausage, toast, everything you can name for breakfast. It was the best. He would go to all of our baseball games. It made me so much better to hear him cheer in the stands. He sat and watched me bowl every weekend during bowling league. He was there for the Father Daughter dance for girl scouts. He made me laugh everyday. When he wore his green work suit and the blue hat you have to wear in the Air Force, it made me so proud to be his daughter .I don’t know why. But I always told him that. I love him and I am PROUD TO BE HIS DAUGHTER. Before he had to go overseas they threw me a little surprise party for my birthday. I was so happy. I still got my last Birthday card he gave me. I will treasure that card forever. He put $20.00 dollars in it. I loved it. The next day we had to drop him off at the airport. I didn’t want him to leave, but I knew it was his job. It was my birthday too, so I guess I was little mad at him leaving on my 13th birthday. I helped him unload his things out of the van. He had tons of stuff. He had like 2 carts full of luggage, and I mean full. I couldn’t see where I was going. I made it to the check-in counter. That was it for me. I gave him a big hug and a kiss on his cheek. We wrote on the computer and he sent postcards while he was gone. It was nice. I miss him so much. He is my HERO, MY SHINING STAR, MY EVERYTHING. HE IS MY DAD. I LOVE YOU DAD. LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FORVER YOUR DAUGHTER,
KALIE” Kalie Walters