After Serving For 35 Years, Brigadier General Deborah Howell Retires

Brigadier General Deborah Y. Howell, whose tenure in the military was most pronounced under former Governor Kenneth Mapp’s leadership, has retired from the Virgin Islands National Guard. Her 35 years of service will be marked by a special ceremony to be held at the V.I.N.G. complex in Estate Bethlehem on St. Croix today. It starts at 12:00 p.m.

B.G. Howell graduated from the Charlotte Amalie High School on St. Thomas in June 1978. She holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Business Management from the University of the Virgin Islands and a Master of Science degree in General Administration from Central Michigan University. 

According to V.I.NG., throughout her 35 years of military service, B.G. Howell held a variety of command and staff positions. Her military career began with graduation from the V.I. Military Academy 1st Officer Candidate School and was direct-commissioned as a second lieutenant. 

Her military education includes Basic and Advanced Quartermaster Officer Course, Army Management Staff College, Support Operations Course, Installation Management Course and Command & General Staff Officer Course. She is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College Fellowship Program at the University of Texas. She has attended the Homeland Security Institute at Harvard University and the Basic Army Strategic Education Program at the Strategic Center for Leadership. She has completed the Anti-Terrorism Level IV and various senior leader courses. General Howell has completed several State and Federal Executive courses.

B.G. Howell’s military decorations include: The Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Virgin Islands Commendation Medal, Virgin Islands Long & Faithful Service Ribbon and Virgin Islands Emergency Service Ribbon.

She married to Dennis Howell of St. Croix and they have five children. She is a Rotarian, Past Assistant Governor, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and American Legion Post 133. General Howell is a member of Bethel Methodist Church, Pastoral and Congregational Council Secretary. She is a part of the Circuit Council and Bethel Congregation Youth Leader.