Honoring Our Veterans
This page is dedicated to honoring the Veterans in our community for their service and telling their stories.
What Tom Brokaw referred to as "The Greatest Generation" is quickly declining in number. This, of course, refers to not only our World War II Veterans but also to the families that supported those veterans in the war effort. These are some of the veteran's personal stories pertaining to their own war efforts. It's the club's hope that should you be so inclined, you will reach out individually to these veterans and get to know them a little better.
We will start with the World War II Veterans as we do not want to lose their stories. The goal is then to get stories from all Sunflower Veterans. Click on the veterans name below their picture to read that veteran's story.
United States Airforce E-4, Michael Allen Willliams
In 1972, Michael Allen Williams enlisted in the United States Air Force in California and began his military journey at Lackland Air Force Base for basic training. From there, he attended aircraft mechanic training at Chanute Air Force Base, where he worked on several aircraft including the C-141, and F106. Michael excelled in his training, graduating in the top one percent of his class, an achievement reached by only three students. Because of his outstanding performance, he avoided an overseas assignment and was instead stationed at McChord Air Force Base. During his time in the Air Force, Michael received numerous awards recognizing his dedication and outstanding service. Along with the hard work came memories that still make him smile today. Michael laughed as he recalled arriving at basic training with a “beautiful Afro,” only to have the barber quickly shave it down to his scalp. Not every memory was pleasant, however, as he remembered one tough Tech Sergeant who, in Michael’s words, was always “up our butts” trying to make a name for himself. After completing his military service, Michael continued serving his country for another 34 years as a civilian employee with the Navy in several important roles. During Gulf War, he was deployed overseas during the burn pit crisis. He worked as a Navy supervisor of ship building, Quality Assurance Specialists, Maritime, Ship Surveyor, FEMA, Army Corp of Engineers, Port Engineer and also DCAS. Today, Michael believes veterans still have a responsibility to “work hard and make our country better.” His advice to younger generations is simple but meaningful: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially of those older and wiser.”
