Kevyn Major Howard, Full Metal Jacket Star and Veteran Advocate Dies at 69

Kubrick's Vietnam War epic Full Metal Jacket made Kevyn Major Howard famous for his part as Rafterman. Howard died on February 14 at the age of 69. He was remembered for acting and always wanting to respect veterans and first responders.

He was praised by his co-star in "Full Metal Jacket," Matthew Modine, on X (formerly Twitter):

Kevin Major Howard gave a lot to the world, especially to the men and women in our military forces. Thank you for your service to America and to other people. Kevyn, may all the gods bless you. Peace out. Always Faithful

Howard's performance as Rafterman, a young, eager Marine battle photographer who experiences a terrible change in Vietnam, stood out in the 1987 movie. His innocent optimism stands in stark contrast to the hardened cynicism of his fellow Marines, making him an interesting and memorable character.

Howard cared a lot about veterans' issues outside of his work in Hollywood. He started Fueled by the Fallen, a nonprofit that made tribute vehicles with the names of fallen soldiers and first responders to remember them. His idea came from a trip to 29 Palms Marine Base, where he saw a memorial for Marines who had died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Later, the group grew to celebrate police officers who died in the line of duty. The Los Angeles County Memorial Cruiser and the 9/11 Angel Tribute Cars were made to remember the victims of the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Howard's wife Tiffanie, daughter Kayla, sister Kim, and brother Kelsey will miss him. Veterans, first responders, and movie fans still remember him for his acting and activist work.

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