RICHMOND, Va. –
Command Sgt. Maj. (Va.) Christopher Howlett will serve as the new senior enlisted leader for the Virginia Defense Force, according to an announcement made Nov. 4, 2024, by Brig. Gen. (Va.) Rich Diddams, Commander of the Virginia Defense Force. Howlett succeeds Command Sgt. Maj. (Va.) Christopher Frederick Sr.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Howlett is the epitome of professionalism and brings with him years of wisdom and experience as he sets the example for our force,” Diddams said.
Howlett joined the VDF in 1999 as a private and served at the Warrenton Armory.
In 2002 he was as assigned to Leesburg Armory and rose to the rank of first sergeant. In 2015 he became a battalion command sergeant major and in 2017 he became a regimental command sergeant major.
In his civilian life, Howlett is a Virginia Class A contractor and builds houses and barns. He is a principal and part owner of Union Land and Management, a commercial real estate investment and holding company.