Sergeant Edward Howson was born on 13 May 1990 in Southport, Queensland. He enlisted into the Australian Regular Army on 9 July 2007 as a Cavalry Crewman ASLAV within the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. On completion of his initial employment training, Sergeant Howson was posted to the 2/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) in May 2008. During his time, Sergeant Howson has served as a recon scout, driver, gunner, crew commander, troop corporal, acting troop sergeant, training corporal and acting training sergeant. In 2011, Sergeant Howson deployed as an ASLAV gunner to Afghanistan on Mentoring Task Force 3, as part of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment battle group. 

In 2013, Sergeant Howson took leave without pay in order to complete a Diploma of Film and Television at the JMC Academy, Brisbane. He has previously engaged in extra regimental duties as unit photographer from 2013 to 2018 and president mess committee of the 41 club from 2015 to 2017. During his time in the Army, Sergeant Howson has deployed on operations in Afghanistan, and American Warfighter Assessment as part of the 7th CBT BDE attached to the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas. 

Sergeant Howson’s honours and awards include the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp ICAT, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Australian Defence Medal, NATO Service Medal with clasp ISAF, Army Combat Badge, Return from Active Service Badge and Soldier’s Medallion for Exemplary Service. He has also been awarded Student of Merit on SUBJ 2 SGT RAAC TP OPS. Sergeant Howson is single, and enjoys fishing, photography, journalistic writing and music.