News Summary
Huntsville, Alabama, honors Christal Howard as she retires after a commendable 35-year career with Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR). Known for her dedication and numerous roles, Howard leaves behind a legacy of kindness and hard work. As she embraces her retirement, she looks forward to spending time with family, exploring new hobbies, and cherishing fond memories with colleagues. The community celebrates her significant contributions and the impact she has made over the years.
Huntsville Celebrates a Dedicated Career as Christal Howard Retires After 35 Years
Huntsville, Alabama, is a little less bright as one of its longtime pillars prepares to embark on a new chapter. After a remarkable 35-year career with Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), Christal Howard has officially hung up her hat and is embracing retirement as of January 31. It’s a bittersweet moment for both Howard and the community that has watched her grow and excel in various roles, starting from humble beginnings.
A Journey That Began in 1989
Howard’s journey with MWR began in 1989, back when she started as a cashier in the cafeteria located at the Garrison headquarters building 4488. With determination and hard work, she quickly made her mark. Between the years 1989 and 1996, she found herself deep in the world of hospitality and food services, working diligently with the Post Restaurant Fund. That’s right—Christal was not just any cashier; she was the friendly face behind the counter serving meals and smiles.
A Variety of Roles and Responsibilities
Not one to shy away from challenges, Howard explored various roles during her career. After spending time with the Post Restaurant Fund, she took on the unique position of a vending repairman for a year and a half, filling vending machines throughout Redstone. It’s not every day that someone brings joy with snacks, but that’s precisely what she did! In 1992, she decided to transition to the clerical side at the Post Restaurant Fund office before finally finding her home at MWR.
Leadership and Administration
In 1996, Howard snagged the title of business operations division administrative assistant. Talk about an impressive climb! By 2001, she became the dedicated administrative assistant to director Dan Ahern. Her skills didn’t go unnoticed; she was promoted to administrative management specialist under director Derrick Gould in 2006. Howard became synonymous with MWR, earning a reputation as the “go-to” person when anyone needed help or guidance.
Gratitude and Fond Memories
As she reflects on her years of service, Howard is filled with gratitude for all the support she received along the way. Many believed in her potential even more than she believed in herself, which helped propel her through the ranks. The heartfelt appreciation extends to her colleagues, who made every day an opportunity for connection and camaraderie.
Looking Forward to Retirement
Now at the age of 62, Howard eagerly anticipates spending quality time with her husband, John, who retired in 2014. One of the most exciting aspects of her new life will be the ability to travel and visit their adorable 1½-year-old great-grandson. Family means the world to Christal; she is also a mother to Kenneth and remembers her late daughter, Jennifer Siebert, who sadly passed away in 2019. Howard cherishes her memories with her two granddaughters as well.
New Adventures Await
The prospect of exploring hobbies such as reading, lounging by the pool, and savoring travel adventures is thrillingly enticing, but there’s also a tinge of sadness as she bids farewell to her daily interactions with colleagues. Retirement is typically a time of relaxation, yet for someone who has dedicated over three decades to their job, it’s a significant adjustment.
Honoring a Legacy
As Huntsville bids adieu to Christal Howard, it celebrates the legacy of dedication, kindness, and hard work she leaves behind. Her contributions have not only shaped the MWR community but have also influenced countless individuals who had the pleasure of working alongside her. Here’s to new beginnings and a well-deserved retirement that promises plenty of love, laughter, and adventure!
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Additional Resources
- Item Online: Henderson Retirement Leaves a Legacy
- Wikipedia: Retirement
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- Google Search: Huntsville retirement news
- Huntsville Business Journal: The Complexities of Retiring in 2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pension
- Rocket City Now: Huntsville Ranked Top 10 Best Places to Retire 2025
- Google News: Huntsville places to retire
