Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumnus Capt. Andy Howell, U.S. Army, who earned a degree in history from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and a minor in leadership studies from the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Rice Center for Leader Development in 2007 has been selected as the Hokie Hero for the Duke game.

The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Hokie Hero program started in 2006 by IMG College and sponsored by the University Bookstore, honors Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumni who are currently deployed. Recipients of this honor are highlighted by Bill Roth and Mike Burnop during the radio broadcast of Virginia Tech football games, on the Corps of Cadets website, on the Corps of Cadets alumni website, and in the Corps Review magazine.

Howell is currently deployed to the Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, as an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior pilot for the 6th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Lightning Horse. He is serving as the assistant operations officer for the task force, which provides reconnaissance, security, and close combat attack capabilities throughout Regional Command South.  

Howell is from Pittsburgh, Pa., and this is his second combat deployment. He has logged over 1,000 total combat hours in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Howell is a Class of 2007 graduate of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and served as the 2nd Battalion Staff Operations Officer his senior year. He says he would like to send his love to his wife Hayden who is a MEDEVAC Pilot currently deployed as well; his parents Bill and Debbie Howell; his Six Pack '07 Buds (freshmen from Kilo Battery Class of 2007); and to the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi.  

Below are the previous Hokie Heroes from the 2012-13 season.

  • Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumnus 1st Lt. Randy Coggin, U.S. Army, who earned a degree in economics from the College of Science, and a minor in leadership studies from the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Rice Center for Leader Development in 2009;
  • Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumna Capt. Kim French, U.S. Air Force, who earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and a minor in leadership studies from the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Rice Center for Leader Development in 2005;
  • Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumnus 1st Lt. Mark Angelo, U.S. Army, who earned a degree in history from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and a minor in leadership studies from the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Rice Center for Leader Development in 2010;
  • Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumnus 1st Lt. Justin May, U.S. Air Force, who earned a degree in sociology in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and a minor in leadership studies from the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Rice Center for Leader Development in 2010;
  • Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumnus 1st Lt. George Hogg, U.S. Army, who earned a degree in geography in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, and a minor in leadership studies from the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Rice Center for Leader Development in 2010 and;
  • Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumnus Col. Frank Huber, U.S. Army, who earned a degree in electrical engineering in the College of Engineering in 1985.
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