Master Sergeant Eric T. Howell, from Daytona Beach, Fla., enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in June 1991. Upon successful completion of recruit training at Parris Island, S.C., and Marine Combat Training (MCT) at Camp Geiger, N.C., Private First Class Howell proceeded to the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek, Va.
After completing the Basic Musicians' Course, Lance Corporal Howell was stationed at Parris Island, S.C. While at Parris Island, LCpl Howell served as a Tuba Instrumentalist in the Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Brass Quintet and the Dixieland Band. Lance Corporal Howell performed with the Parris Island Marine Band throughout the country and soon began composing and arranging for the band’s various ensembles, making him an asset to the unit.
In 1995, Sergeant Howell returned to the Armed Forces School of Music to attend the Unit Leader’s Course. Upon completion of the rigorous eight month course, Sgt. Howell received orders to report to the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band in Okinawa, Japan. There he served as a Tuba Instrumentalist in many different ensembles.
After his tour overseas, Sgt. Howell went to the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, La. During his tour, Sgt. Howell continued to impress with his versatility and skill. He also began "The Potholes Brass Band," which is one of the most popular bands throughout New Orleans and the southwest.
In February 1999, Staff Sergeant Howell returned to Parris Island for another tour as an instrumentalist. From Parris Island he received orders to Naples, Italy, to serve with the NATO band as a Tuba Instrumentalist and eventually as Principal Conductor. After his time in Europe, Gunnery Sergeant Howell transferred to Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he served as the Enlisted Conductor and acting Band Master.
In 2005, GySgt Howell was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq as the Guard Chief of Camp Blue Diamond. Following his deployment, GySgt Howell went to recruiter's school in September 2006.
From 2006 to 2009 he served as the Musical Technical Assistant for the 6th Marine Corps Recruiting District, which encompasses the southeastern United States. After his term as a recruiter, he returned to Parris Island where he served as the Band Master. In May of 2009 Gunnery Sergeant Howell was promoted to his current of Master Sergeant. In May of 2010 he was assigned to the Combat Center Band in Twentynine Palms, CA where he currently serves as the Band Master.