Howie Walters
PAVE LOW Aerial Gunner
December 7, 1969 - November 23, 2003
TSgt Howard Arlen Walters, 33, of Port Huron, MI, was killed when was killed on November 23, 2003 in Afghanistan when his MH-53 PAVE LOW helicopter, call sign "Beatle 12", crashed while conducting combat operations. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on January 21, 2004. Howie is survived by his wife Melissa; Daughters Kalie, Breanna, Samantha, and Grace; Father James Walters; Mother Patricia Riedel.
Howie was an honor student who enjoyed sports. He was very popular with his classmates because of his caring nature and sense of humor. Even as a child, he talked about going into the Air Force to become an astronaut because of his love of science and space. Howard graduated from Port Huron High School.
TSgt Walters joined the Air Force in the fall of 1988. His first operational assignment was the 93rd Munitions Maintenance squadron at Castle AFB, CA where he trained as a weapons load monitor. A short time later he was deployed to Operation DESERT STORM and served with a "munitions" troop at Osan AB, South Korea, and Ghedi AB in Italy. In 1995, he became an Aerial Gunner with the 20th SOS at Hurlburt Field, FL, flying in support of Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR. Next came three years back at Osan AB as a member of the 31st SOS. He then returned to Florida where he became an outstanding instructor for both the future MH-53 and HH-60 gunners. He was serving in Africa when he received the orders that sent him to Afghanistan.
Howie loved the Air Force and planned on making it his career but one thing he loved more was his family, wife, Melissa, and their four daughters.
Howie had always said that if something happened to him, he wanted to be buried at Arlington Cemetery. His desire was fulfilled. The grave is located in Section 60, Site 1821.