Last month the readership response to the Harriett’s, the amazing husband and wife duo that gave up their life in the United States to become missionaries in Africa, was amazing and you guys demanded more.
This month’s feature focuses on someone who is just as amazing. He’s smart, courageous, and his wife will describe him as “the most handsome husband, dad, and solider in uniform”. Meet Sergeant First Class Wavell Williams Jr, US Army, 25B Information Systems Operator.
Before he had these honorable and distinguished titles before his name, I knew him as plain ole Wave. Too as far back as I can remember he always had a thrill seeking nature about him and never backed down to a challenge. Oldest brother to three naturally he is protective. When he had decided to enlist in the United States Army in 2000 my first thought was, the Army isn’t ready for Wave! After his first year he returned home and paid me a visit at my parents’ house. We sat on the porch and he described basic training, the camaraderie amongst fellow soldiers and the differences between army life and civilian life. The boy that I had once known transformed into a mature adult with priorities strictly aligned to meet clear and obtainable goals. It was apparent to me then that he was maturing into a man, a man of God, a man of character and virtue. He even had a little mustache to prove it. LOL.
After serving 4 tours in Iraq, Wave, age 30, has seen the best and worst of what people can do to each other. Through it all his personal relationship with God has allowed him to endure and see the silver linings of life. Still jumping out of the back of planes and protecting our freedom he now has made it his personal mission to share his love of aviation with family and friends. And what better way to do it then giving them the first-hand experience of a life time, having them ride co-pilot.
Climb aboard for my exciting interview with Sergeant First Class Wavell Williams Jr.
What is your first love? real love – a woman…LMS (let me stop), the “other” love – aviation
Well I would hope your first love is a real woman. I’ve seen a few episodes of My Strange Addition. We share a laugh like old times as we reflect on some of the craziest episodes we’ve seen but then we’re focused again. So how will you use your love for aviation to change the way people view the world in 2012? By taking as many people, especially minorities, on a plane ride as soon and as much as possible. Hopefully inspiring them to begin a career in aviation. I got the chance to take my parents in flight with me. Both of them got a chance to feel my excitement for flying. I take many friends flying as often as I can and that usually changes their position on aviation.
- Sergeant First Class Wavell Williams Jr. parents
My son has always had a fascination with planes. He’s 7 years old but he knows that he wants to build them one day. He was really excited to see your pictures.
I’m almost scared to ask but, what is the craziest thing you have ever done? Jumped out of a C-130 with 20 knot gusting winds in Iraq and landing on a near-concrete ground. Made for a great story. At that point, I had been a Paratrooper for 10 years and it was my 50th jump. It was also the fastest drop to the hardest, most complicated landing I’ve ever had. Ever.
You’re right that does make for a great story. President Obama has brought most of the troop’s home but the US economy is still in a slow moving downward slump. What opportunities, in your occupation, exist for other African Americans between 21-40 years old? NUMEROUS. The military is a melting pot of culture and races. One can come off the street and be trained to be part of a unit and then receive specialized training on a multitude of career fields. Many of the skills and trades taught in the Army can be transferred to civilian careers. Even though a lot of our men and women have been brought home, protecting our freedom is a job that will never end.
Everyone knows that a man in uniform doesn’t stand alone. There are family and friends awaiting your return. Thankfully your parents are still with us and you have two younger brothers. In addition, you’ve been married for 3 years; have 2 year old twins and a daughter on the way right now. Congratulations on the little ones! How does your work affect your spouse and family dynamics? It has a lasting effect every day. Sometimes with this career, you are called away suddenly to serve a purpose higher than your own. As a result you will miss anniversaries, birthdays, Christmases, New Years, birth of your children, weddings of your friends and a host of other things. It sucks, but at the end of the day when it’s all done and you’re coming home, I can usually say, it’s okay. For some reason, a decision was made and we must execute that decision. The family, while they may not always like it, is supportive.
Marriage, twins, baby on the way, husband that jumps out of planes defending our freedom for a living. Your wife is amazing; I can only imagine the juggling act she puts on every day to keep everything balanced. Sarcastically, with one eye brow raised high. So Wave, tell me, what amazing things have you done with and in your life thus far? Laughter takes over. Your wife is here just … you know… giving birth… two twins and another one on the way. We laugh and then I allow him to answer. I’ve been the recipient of the highest achievement in life. Being a dad. Yes, I’ve got two boys and a girl on the way with an amazing wife that I adore that manages to do it all when duty calls. A distant second is earning a pilots certificate with an instrument rating and a complex/ high performance aircraft endorsement. Third would be learning to play the piano and learning how to teach music. That was pretty fun. But yes, my wife is amazing and what she does for our family is undeniable short of a miracle.
- The twins on the job.
- Cute! Period.
That is wonderful, hats off to good wives and good mothers. There are three questions that I like to ask everyone I interview, especially those that have had the opportunity to see the world.
What is your advice to other young adults that want to travel? Go to your local airport. Tell them you want to learn to fly. EARN your private pilot certificate and instrument rating. Travel wherever you want to go. See the world from the pilot’s chair, blog about it and take NUMEROUS pictures.
- Friends in flight
Great advice! I’m praying that my son designs a spectacular aircraft that he can pick me up in. What should more 21-35 year olds be doing that they’re not? Saving for retirement. A lot of times I see my Soldiers with the latest car or clothing. I remember when I was that misguided. When I ask them of the future, they usually refer to the 50 meter (immediate) target and forget about the 300-meter target. The thing is, many times, it’s the 300-meter target that will take you out before the 50-meter even touches you. Moral of the story, plan for the future or you and your work will soon be reciting marital vows – til death do you part.
I’ve discussed financial topics often on the blog. I hope my readers really take your message to heart and #takemyfoolishadvice when it comes to budgeting and planned spending. What is a charity or cause you will support or continue to support in 2012? ADRA – Adventist Development and Relief Agency. I’ve been supporting them through the CFC – Combined Federal Campaign for years. They are one of the first relief organizations on ground during a disaster, so I support it.
Sergeant First Class Wavell Williams Jr. and dear friend, thank you for taking the time to allow us into your world. God’s grace has kept you well. I pray God’s continuous favor on you and your family. TMFA readers this will not be the last time we hear from the Sergeant, I will be sure to drop in with a picture of the that beautiful bouncing baby.
UPDATE: I was just informed that little Ms. Arieonna Elizabeth was born on February 26th 2012 at 6lbs 11 oz. 18 inches long. Both mother and baby are doing well. Congratualtions again to the Willimas’ family.
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- Arieonna Elizabeth
#takemyfoolishadvice you’re never too young to be an instrumental difference in your own life or the lives of others. It doesn’t take a special person to be called to defend the honor and virtue of millions. God used David to defeat Goliath. Decide today to use your life to do something amazing. Listen for your God given purpose and when you hear it, be sure to come back and share it with us in the comment section below.
Beloved,
AWalk
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