CHS Alumnus, Hall of Famer Col. Christopher Howell Retires After 37 Years

‘Responsibility, Kindness and Self-Discipline’

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

FRANKFORT, Ky. — U.S. Army Col. Christopher Howell, a 1998 graduate and Hall of Fame inductee from the University of Kentucky’s College of Health Sciences (CHS), recently concluded a distinguished 37-year military career during a retirement ceremony this fall.

Howell, a 2008 inductee into the CHS Hall of Fame, earned his degree in Physician Assistant Studies before going on to serve in both the U.S. Air Force and the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard. He finished his military career as commander of the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Medical Detachment (MEDDET).

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Brian Wertzler, Kentucky’s deputy adjutant general, presided over a ceremony on Oct. 18, 2025, at the Boone National Guard Center and praised Howell’s leadership and compassion.

“As a colonel, Chris was not just a medical professional, he was also a leader,” Wertzler said. “In leadership, there are few things more powerful than letting people know how much you care and allowing that caring to guide your approach to delivering results. Col. Howell’s leadership style embodies the care of his soldiers.”

Howell served as MEDDET commander since July 2023 and was the first Physician Assistant to be selected for the position. In 2020, he also became the first PA in the Kentucky Army National Guard to be promoted to the rank of colonel.

A Hodgenville, Ky., native, Howell enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1985 as a member of the security police. While stationed in England, he discovered a passion for medicine after completing an emergency medical technician course. He left active duty in 1990 to pursue higher education, enrolling at UK while continuing to serve in the Air National Guard.

After graduating from UK’s Physician Assistant program in 1998, Howell enlisted in the Army National Guard and served in numerous leadership and medical roles, including commander of Kentucky’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package and officer-in-charge of COVID-19 missions for the Kentucky Army National Guard.

“I learned as much as I could from the textbooks, but what I learned the most was how to improve my interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence,” Howell said of his time in PA school. “That helped shape me into an empathetic, compassionate provider and leader.”

During the ceremony, Howell expressed gratitude to his family, friends and colleagues for their support throughout his career.

“As I look out into this crowd, really only one word comes to mind — grateful,” Howell said. “The relationships and friendships have made me the man who’s standing in front of you today.”

Howell was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal during the ceremony.

“It was never the rank that inspired me; it was always the people I served with,” Howell said. “Leadership isn’t about authority. It’s about responsibility, kindness and self-discipline.”

People like U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Himler.

“I met Chris in 2006 in the Air Guard when we were both part of the Medical Group, and I could tell right away there was something different about him,” said Lt. Col. Himler, commander of Detachment 1, 123rd Medical Group. “He had this calm, steady presence that just put people at ease. He was someone that led not through fear or authority, but through compassion, consistency, and character.

“You pour your time, knowledge, and patience into helping others learn, and it’s not for recognition, but it’s simply because you care,” she continued. “That’s what defines Chris Howell – he leads with faith, humility, and a genuine desire to see others succeed. He’s the kind of man who never seeks the spotlight, but somehow always becomes the light that others follow.”

As Howell reflected on retirement, he said the decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with family.

“It was time to let the next generation of leaders take command,” he said. “I wanted to spend as much time as I can with my family, especially my aging parents.”

Howell plans to continue working full time at the VA Medical Center in Lexington until 2027 before transitioning to part-time work, traveling and participating in medical mission trips.

As the ceremony concluded, Howell offered one final message to those who will follow.

“The disciplined warrior earns respect; the kind warrior earns loyalty,” Howell said. “Lead with both, and you will never go wrong.”