Terry Howard is an accomplished man! He retired after 26 years in the Air Force. He loved his career as a meteorologist. He speaks fondly of his days as Air Training Command's staff weather officer. His favorite stop was nine years in Alaska. As we all know Alaskan weather can be exciting even on an average day.
Terry Howard hard at work. |
Terry's one of those retired guys who is so busy being retired he can't figure out how he ever had time to work. He now teaches shotgunning two days a week and shoots for enjoyment another day or two or three.
In 1976, he began teaching skeet and trap while still in the Air Force.
Siobhain Anders getting instructions from Terry Howard |
Terry Howard instructs David Thompson at the San Antonio Gun Club |
The American Trap Association says he went from beginning to top handicap in six months which at that time was the fastest rise ever. He has been an All American Skeet Shooter.
Terry Howard instructs Mac Biggs at San Antonio Gun Club |
With all of these shooting honors you would think Terry would have a huge trophy room. Not so, just the opposite. When you go to his house you won't see any mention of these accomplishments. I like that.
Terry Howard teaching Skeet to Siobhain Anders |
Terry is proudest of his students. The people he's taught, both school age and adult are where his pride shows. He loves telling you about "his" kids. Here's a short list.
David Thompson fires at clay pigeon while Terry Howard supervises. |
Since 1976 he's taught some 8 to 10 thousand students. At least two hundred have gone on to become All Americans in Skeet or Trap. He's had two students win World Class Medals in International Skeet. Three Junior students have broken 400 out of 400 in NSSA skeet competition. There are many, many more stories about his student's winning ways.
Mac Biggs readies for next shot, Terry Howard instructing. |
The day I was interviewing Terry he was instructing a high school gal. Her grandfather was there. He couldn't help but tell me she was the Texas FFA Girls State Champion. Terry's been coaching this young lady for about three years. His work has obviously paid off.
Terry Howard instructs Cassie Mueller at San Antonio Gun Club 2011 |
Terry Howard working with State FFA 2010 Girls Skeet Champion Cassie Mueller |
Terry Howard with his little Champion Cassie Mueller |
On the personal side Terry is a War Baby, just a hair older than the Boomers. He and his wife, Abby, live on a ranch just outside San Antonio and enjoy the hill country lifestyle. They are both avid hunters and enjoy spending time on their hunting lease in South Texas. They also travel to favorite hunting locations in Montana, Canada and Alaska.
Terry Howard instructs group of students at the San Antonio Gun Club |
They both enjoy Cowboy action shooting. In this style shooting you dress western style. The weapons are single action revolvers, sawed off shotguns and lever action carbines. The shooting takes place on a "set" where you fire at iron silhouettes. It's lots of fun with plenty of good company. I attended a session and loved every minute of it.
l-r Mac Biggs, Terry Howard and David Thompson and @ the San Antonio Gun Club |
Terry Howard is a prime example of what this blog is all about. He is retired. He is doing what he loves and he's making a few bucks.
Terry Howard instructing a group of skeet shooters, San Antonio Gun Club |
This is the point the Boomer Magazine is trying to get across to the Boomer Nation. Things are going to get tough so find something you enjoy before it's too late. Terry is a good example. Think about it before time gets away.
THE BOOMER MAGAZINE
and
John Boykin
THE HARD HAT PHOTOGRAPHER