BMC Howard (Howie) Marshall, USCGR, assigned to PSU-309, was killed in a traffic accident on I-80 near Ripley in Indiana this past Friday.

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Howie was apparently headed home for the weekend to spend time with family prior to deployment. The accident is under investigation by ISP. I was deployed with Howie to both Desert Shield/Storm ('90/'91) and Uphold Democracy ('94).

Fair winds and following seas, Howie.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JerryG,

Chief, RIP.

I found out today Howie had put in his thirty years this past January, but requested to be included in this upcoming deployment before being put out to pasture.

That's the type of guy he was, short in stature but giant in heart.

Howie always demonstrated his deep concern and commitment to those he worked with. The Coast Guard lost a deeply committed "Chief" and those that had the pleasure of knowing and/or working with him lost a great friend! My condolences to his family and to his shipmates! I know that Howie will be sorely missed by those that must continue their mission without him and I pray for their safe return.

Fair Winds to you Howie and may you rest in peace.

Marklf

RIP Chief.

BMC Marshall was buried with full military honors today.

A two-day wake was held over the weekend during which numerous family, friends, and shipmates paid their respects. One of Howie's former CO's, who had been the CO of three separate units Howie had been assigned to, shared a number of humerous Howie stories with the family.

The TISCOM Honor Guard conducted the interment and rifle salute at the cemetery today. A live bugler (no fake electronic bugle) and bag piper rounded out the ceremony. Inclement weather prevented the Dolphin flyover. A number of police units and the Patriot Riders led the procession from the church to the cemetery.

CO of the DOG and several of Howie's prior CO's were in attendance, along with many shipmates of current and past units (STA Calumet Harbor, PSU-303, PSU-302, and PSU-309).

You're greatly missed, Howie.

I would like to thank all of those involved with the Chief's funeral especially MCPO Gary Kmetty. They knew each other very well and I know it was hard on him but you did an outstanding job Master Chief! I knew Howie for about 18 years and was stationed with him at PSU 302 and 309 for 16 years. We would talk to each other in between drills on a regular basis and listening to him talk about his "Boaties" helped me relieve some of the stresses I had. The majority of PSU 309 was unable to attend the services but we hope to do something with the family soon. Howie had a huge impact on anyone he met and it is evident with the Navy unit we are working with. While they only knew him for a short time he was a friend, mentor, and Shipmate to all of them.

Howie,

You were a true friend, an excellent Chief (I wish I could tell you that in person) and a Shipmate. I miss you terribly but know that you are watching over the unit with Raider by your side. We will see each other again someday, brother.

Master Chief sends....