| ONF Advisory Board |
|
|
|
|
Alan comes to Operation Never Forget as a member of a fallen hero's family who knows all too well the pain of losing a loved on in the war on terror. Alan became actively involved in Operation Never Forget a year after losing his youngest brother SSgt. John "Ryan" Howard, USMC.
Ryan age 26, was killed in action on the night of August 11, 2004 as the result of a helicopter crash in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. Alan will be the first to tell you that losing his baby brother is the single hardest thing he has yet to have to deal with in his life, but he will also tell you that Operation Never Forget has helped him and his family as a whole to overcome their loss, and move on with their lives.
Alan was born on March 23, 1970 in Covington, VA, and is the oldest son of John G. and Kathryn L. Howard also of Covington. Alan was raised in a small community called Hematite, located in Alleghany County where as a child he and his two younger brothers loved to hunt, fish and ride bikes as boys.
Alan currently lives just 20 minutes from where he grew up, and is married to the former Teresa Hoke. Alan and Teresa have two children, Robert and Natasha Lyles. Alan and Teresa also have two grand children, Kelsey Merritt age 2, and Ryan Thomas Zimmerman, age 5 months. Ryan is the namesake of his great Uncle, USMC SSgt. John "Ryan" Howard.
Alan's other younger brother Derek, has served in the United States Navy now for 17 years. LTJG Derek S. Howard resides in Chesapeake, Va with his wife Karen, and son Derek Jr. Derek is also a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, having served in the region from November 2005 to May 2006. Derek served aboard the USS Cape St. George - CG71, a Guided Missile Cruiser, based out of Norfolk, VA. Alan's very proud of both of his brothers for having served their country, defending freedom just as his father, grandfathers', and great grandfathers' all once served.
Alan, due to health issues was unable to serve in the federal service himself, but shortly after Ryan's death decided he had to get involved and help in some way. In July of 2005, Alan joined the Commonwealth of Virginia's State Defense Force, an all volunteer state military organization. The Virginia Defense Force is the states reserve to the Virginia Army National Guard. Alan currently serves at the rank of Sgt. Alan serves the Commonwealth and it's citizens with pride, and is a member of Echo Company, 33rd Battalion, Black Horse Brigade, Clifton Forge, VA.
Alan also works as a Regional Sales Representative for Fisher Auto Parts, Staunton, VA. His position takes him to many areas of Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Alan has never met a stranger in his life, and considers everyone he meets a friend. He has made many lasting relationships with the customers he serves, and sells auto parts too. Many consider Alan as a vital part of their family.
Alan is a 1988 Graduate of Alleghany High School, and Jackson River Technical Center. Alan's course of study was general, although he did complete a 2 year program in Auto Mechanics.
Alan has served on several boards. He is a past board member of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce, past board member of Safe Homes, Inc a shelter for battered women, past marketing committee member for the Alleghany Highlands YMCA, past member of the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors where he served as the youngest Supervisor at the age of 23, past member of the Alleghany Highlands March of Dimes Fund Raising Committee, and former President of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America at JRTC.
Alan volunteered with several organizations, the Covington Moose Lodge 610, and the Dunlap Vol. Fire Department and Rescue Squad. He was also a volunteer Disc Jockey for WCHG 107.1 FM in Hot Springs, Va.
Alan loves spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, serving the Commonwealth, and helping others.
Taught at the community college level as an adjunct professor while pursuing nonprofit endeavors. Holds a Bachelors Degree in Aeronautics, Master's Degree in Human Resources Management, is certified in Aviation Safety, is certified in Secondary Education (mathematics), and is certified by the National Heritage Foundation as a Philanthropic Developer
Relocated to Shelbyville, TN so that his wife, Donna, who is a published author could be closer to her family. Started a new career with Sanford Corp in 2005. Member of the BGen. Shofner detachment of the Marine Corps League, where he serve as Junior Vice Commandant.  Victoria Karpos has owned and operated her business since 1993, under the name MARBLECast Products, Inc. and www.statues.com, a leader in todays statue making industry.
Victoria speaks and reads fluent Greek and enjoys her Greek heritage, she loves to cook, spend family time with her husband and their two children Konstantinos 15 and Paraskevi 13. She is involved with her church and community, she is an active member of the International Masonic Order ‘Delphi’ and enjoys reading and studying ancient history, symbolism and archaeology. She loves traveling, especially to Europe and the Meditteranean. Throughout the years, Victoria has especially enjoyed working closely and helping causes related to public and private organizations and awareness groups. She has a firm belief in giving, her favorite quote is one by Plato…"the first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself; to be conquered by yourself is of all things most shameful and vile…"
After his service in the Corps, Dave decided to take advantage of his USMC educational benefits and received an AS degree in Psychology and Sociology from Motlow State Community College in Lynchburg Tennessee, and a BA in Management and Human Relations from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. He is currently the Manager of Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA) Material Contol at Arnold Air Force Base, Tullahoma, TN. where he has been employed for the past twenty-five years Dave helped organize and is a charter member of the Brigader General Austin C. Shofner Marine Corps League (MCL) Detachment # 1128 in Tullahoma, Tennessee and was honored to be elected as the Detachment's first Commandant, as well as Staff Judge Advocate for the Department of Tennessee, MCL. He continues to serve the MCL and his community and believes giving back some of what has been given to us is the common and primary charge of all Marines. An active community servant and Christian, Dave lives by his favorite quote from Marcus Aurelius; "I've often wondered how it is that man loves himself more than all the rest of men, yet places more value on the opinions of others than on his own opinion of himself." A family man with four children and one grandchild Dave believes "we are what we do for others" - his ultimate goal is service through leadership.  John Heath was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He received his BA from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University. While attending law school, John spent a semester abroad in Cairo, Egypt, where he studied Islamic Juris Prudence. Mr. Heath has worked as an attorney in both a private and public interest practices. He has an affinity for serving individuals who have traditionally been under represented by the legal community. It is one of Mr. Heath's core beliefs that every citizen should have equal access to the courts.
|
Served in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets as a bombardier/navigator on Grumman A6E Intruders. Served on staffs of Medium Attack Wing One, CINCLANTFLT and COMNAVAIRLANT. Retired 1993. Subsequently taught mathematics at secondary level. Retired 2003. 
Born 1946 in Philadelphia, Pa.
