Brady K. Howell ’98

Utah State University Alumni Merit Citation, Posthumous

Twenty-five years after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Utah State University remembers an Aggie whose life embodied service, integrity and extraordinary promise.

Brady Kay Howell was just 26 years old when he was killed while serving his country as a civilian employee at the Pentagon. In a life and career cut tragically short, Brady had already distinguished himself through his intellect, optimism, leadership and unwavering commitment to public service. Today, his legacy endures not only in the work he accomplished, but also in the people he influenced and the example he left behind.

Raised in Sugar City, Idaho, Brady distinguished himself early as a natural leader and enthusiastic participant in his school and community. He served as student body president of Sugar-Salem High School, earned the rank of Eagle Scout and participated in student government, athletics, drama, speech, Swing Choir and Boys State. Those who knew him remember not only his determination and ambition, but also his joyful personality, kindness and remarkable enthusiasm for life.

Brady brought that same energy to his education. After attending Ricks College, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Utah State University in 1998. He went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where he also worked for the Office of National Security Studies.

His intellect, character and dedication earned him selection for the highly competitive Presidential Management Internship program, launching a career in federal service that advanced rapidly despite its brevity. Brady joined the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon, where his work helped inform decisions affecting Navy personnel, resources and long-term planning.

In June 2001, Brady became the first Presidential Management intern assigned to the Director of Naval Intelligence staff. He contributed to the executive board responsible for strategy and policy across the Naval Intelligence community and was later selected to train as a watch officer for the Chief of Naval Operations Intelligence Plot. In that role, Brady helped provide critical information to some of the nation’s highest-ranking military and civilian leaders.

Brady approached that responsibility with humility and a profound sense of duty. Shortly before his death, he received a Top Secret security clearance, reflecting the trust placed in both his abilities and his character. He had also successfully completed the second and final phase of the Foreign Service Examination, opening yet another path for a young public servant whose future held extraordinary promise.

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Brady was at his post in the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building. He was 26 years old.

For his service, Brady was posthumously awarded the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award, recognizing his significant contributions and dedication to duty. He also received the Defense of Freedom Medal, an honor bestowed upon civilian employees of the Department of Defense who are killed or wounded in the line of duty as a result of hostile action.

Yet Brady’s legacy reaches far beyond his professional accomplishments. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Anderson Howell; a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend; and a man remembered for his generosity, humor and genuine interest in others. He found joy in family, friendship, faith and service, and those closest to him remembered someone who worked hard, laughed easily and embraced life fully.

A quarter century after his death, Brady Howell’s legacy remains one of service, character and promise. He represented the very best of public service: intelligence joined with integrity, ambition guided by purpose and patriotism demonstrated through action. His life was far too brief, but its measure is found in the service he rendered, the people he influenced and the example he left behind.

As Utah State University joins the nation in remembering the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, it also honors the memory of one of its own — a young Aggie who devoted his talents to serving his country and whose legacy continues to inspire.

For his distinguished service to his country, his exemplary character and leadership, and a legacy that continues to honor Utah State University and the nation he served, Utah State University proudly recognizes Brady K. Howell posthumously with an Alumni Merit Citation.