Detrel Howell - U.S. Army 1987-95
Detrel Howell, from Jamaica, New York, honorably served in the Army Reserve from 1987 to 1995. In 1990, she was deployed to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield as a member of the 800th Military Police Brigade eventually earning the rank of Specialist E-4.
During her eight years of service in the military, Detrel earned numerous recognitions and medals. She has also spent more than 30 years working in the fields of human services and law enforcement, driven by a strong desire to help as many people as possible.
Detrel is the founder of United In Sisterhood, a nonprofit organization dedicated to female veterans. The organization aims to uplift its members through positive encouragement and innovative approaches that focus on physical and emotional health, networking, and social engagement through outings and virtual events. For more information on United In Sisterhood visit unitedinsisterhood.org
Detrel has been an integral member of WoVeN (Women Veterans Network), which has been fostering connections among female veterans since 2020. She now serves as a National Trainer for the organization. Additionally, Detrel is the Public Relations Officer for the National Association of Black Military Women - NYC Chapter, where she is a lifetime member. Recently, she was appointed as a board member of Black Vets for Social Justice. Detrel is also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall Of Fame in 2025.
Detrel holds dual Master's degrees from Fordham University and New York Theological Seminary. She was honored with an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism from the Global International Alliance in Atlanta, Georgia.
Special thanks to VFW Post 1790 in Valley Stream, NY where this interview was filmed.
