Donald Herbert Howard

Don Howard was born in Manhattan, N.Y. He grew up in the community of Woodlawn in the Bronx. His hobby and favorite pastime was building model airplanes. He had a passion to fly and knew at a very early age that he wanted to be a pilot.

In July 1958, he entered the Aviation Cadet Program (Class of 60C) and was sent to Greenville, Mississippi for training. In October 1959, he graduated, was commissioned and received his wings. He met his wife, Peg, in Rapid City, South Dakota where Don and her father were stationed. May 9, 1965, Don and Peg were married. In 1966 he served in the Vietnam War as part of Operation ARC LIGHT from March to October. He flew the first B-52 raid on Muga Pass (Ho Chi Minh Trail) as well as missions in Laos and Cambodia.  He flew a total of 53 missions and was accommodated three Air Medals. Aircrafts he flew during his Air Force career include; T34 Mentor, T37, T33, C-45 (300 hours), B-47 (800 hrs.), C-47, F-105 “Mach Buster” (Mach 1 Club), C-119, B-52 (1500 hrs. + 800 combat hrs.). Total military hours flown 3300/80 as an instructor.

In May 1967, Don retired from active duty with the Air Force and began his 30 year career with Trans World Airlines. Relocating to So. California in October of that year where he was assigned to fly the Boeing 707 out of L.A. At the same time he joined the Air Force Reserve, flying 119s out of March AFB in Riverside. We made our home in Costa Mesa, a wonderful community near the beach. From 1969 to 1974 Don was reassigned, in his reserve status, as a Liaison Officer for the Air Force Academy. He qualified candidates for the academy and made recommendations to our congressman for consideration. Don retired from the Reserves as Major in 1974.

In the ensuing years, Don served on the Orange Coast College Aviation Committee, received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humanities, along with his teaching credential. He also served as a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Costa Mesa.

During his years with TWA, Don checked out in two additional aircrafts – the Boeing 727 and Lockheed’s L1011, flying over 10,000 hours in the L1011 on both national and international flights. In addition, he served as the ALPA Safety Committee Representative for the L1011.

Don’s aviation career spanned 37 years and some 24,000 flight hours.

He retired at the age of 60, which was required “back in the day”, to his Dandridge, TN lake house retreat with a Smokey Mountains backdrop. There he spent 16 wonderful years with Peg and family, puttering and doing whatever he wanted, just enjoying the sunrise and sunset on the lake.

In 2015, Don and Peg settled in Albuquerque to be closer to family. In May of this year, Don celebrated his 80th birthday and he and Peg celebrated 53 years of marriage, life, love, family and blessings.

Don is survived by his wife Peg, his sons Don and Jack, his four grandchildren, Bethany, Taylor, Liam and Riley and his sister Beverly Longo of New Fairfield, CT.