McDowell was a Master Combat Parachutist and has been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. Other decorations include the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Medal. McDowell has served as a Diplomatic courier and USSR Specialist, as well as a Foreign Service Officer for the State Department in the former Soviet Union, Europe, Asia, and North Africa.