Howerton was selected based on how he “passionately assists the ROTC program in recruiting, promoting, establishing, and maintaining an effective and equitable workplace for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.” During his tenure with the university, he has facilitated the enrollment of more than 420 cadets into the ROTC program, which provides leadership instruction and training at no cost to Asian American and Pacific Islander students.

“This award means the world to me. It is the icing on the cake,” Howerton said. “I am truly humbled to have been selected.”

25 years in Guam

Howerton is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army who has served on and off of Guam since 1996, including as the professor of military science at the University of Guam from 2009 until he retired from active duty service in 2011. He then taught as an assistant professor of military science before becoming the recruiting operations officer in 2013.

Having spent nearly 25 years working in Guam, Howerton said, “Guam was like a breath of fresh air … with its rich island culture and wide range of diversity — a place I could easily call home.”

'Substantial contributions to the program'

Howerton goes “above and beyond” to help students wishing to join the ROTC program, including helping them apply for scholarships and arranging medical appointments, said Lt. Col. Thomas Anderson, the current professor of military science at the University of Guam. Additionally, Anderson said Howerton has made substantial contributions to the program.

“He loves the island of Guam and is dedicated to providing an opportunity for her young people to learn leadership skills and to experience the benefits of life as an Army officer. We are so proud of him for winning this prestigious award,” Anderson said.

The Federal Asian Pacific American Council is a nonprofit organization that represents and encourages the advancement of civilian and military Asian Pacific American employees in the government workforce. The Civilian Awards are usually presented at its national conference in May in Washington, D.C., but the conference has been postponed this year due to the pandemic.

Howerton’s award citation is posted along with this year’s other winners at https://fapac.org/civilianawards.

UOG’s ROTC program was established in October 1979 and is celebrating 40 years of producing dynamic leaders for Guam, the Pacific, and the United States.