Cameron native Major General Patrick G. Howard, USMC, Commanding General of Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, NC graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967. He holds a M.S. Degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg University. His professional military education includes being a graduate of The Basic School, Field Artillery Basic and Officer Advance Courses at Fort Sill, Defense Language Institute, Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Army War College.
General Howard has served in various command and staff positions. He was assigned to the position as Secretary of the General Staff in the Assistant commandant of the Marine Corps’ office in July 1992. While serving in this assignment, he was selected in March 1993 for promotion to brigadier general. He was advanced to that grade on June 11, 1993, and was assigned as the Director Personnel Management Division Manpower and Reserve Affairs Department, Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. He was advanced to his present grade on February 24 1995 and assumed his current assignment in May 1995.
His personal decorations include: the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” and gold star; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with gold star; Joint Service Commendation Medal: Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”; Navy Achievement Medal with gold star; and the Combat Action Ribbon with gold star.
Major General Howard is married to the former Paula Oberle, also from Cameron, WV. They have three sons, Brian, Mike, and Marc.