Liberty veteran dreamed of being a pilot
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LIBERTY -- Joining the military gave John D. "JD" Williams the opportunity to see the world and serve his country, all while doing the very thing he set out to do.
Since he was a young boy, Williams, 64, said he knew he wanted to be a pilot. Once he conquered that, he said his suitcase has never been fully unpacked.
The 1980 Ursuline High School graduate enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and left for basic training four days after graduation.
"I always wanted to fly, and the military is a great avenue to do that," he said.
Williams, a captain for United Airlines, learned to fly in the Air Force and has been with United since 1995. He was also squadron commander for the 757th Airlift Squadron, U.S. Air Force Reserve, from 2006 to 2010.
Williams, who achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel, was deployed to Kuwait during Iraqi Freedom, a military invasion to topple Saddam Hussein's government, liberate Iraqis and get rid of potential weapons of mass destruction.
He also deployed to Kuwait for Enduring Freedom, aimed at dismantling al-Qaida after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
During former President Ronald Reagan's war on drugs, Williams flew missions to both Colombia and Peru. From 1992 to 1996, Williams was part of the multinational humanitarian mission Operation Provide Promise to deliver food, medicine and supplies to Bosnia during the Yugoslav wars.
He also spent a good deal of time flying humanitarian missions after earthquakes around the world. Williams said after visiting India some years ago that living conditions there were among the worst he's seen in his career.
"It was the starkest realization that not everyone lives like we do in the United States," he said. "Being born here -- we won the lottery, and there really is no place like the USA."
The saddest thing Williams said he saw during his career was in 2005 when a group of Marines carried the flag-draped coffin of a soldier up the ramp of his C-130 aircraft. He recalled the flight to return the soldier's body to Kuwait as being a solemn one but said he was honored to do it.
Career highlights include seeing the world and being a part of a mission that delivered supplies for Mother Teresa's charity in India while she was still alive.
Williams said his dad, A.J. Williams, 96, enlisted in the military during the Korean War and was a senior master sergeant and C-130 loadmaster.
An uncle was the commander of the all-black 761st tank battalion during World War II. Before he died, Williams' uncle gave his dad a war trophy -- a Nazi flag that had been a battle flag, scarred by shrapnel burns.
In his travels as a commercial pilot, Williams met Chuck Bowen, who served as a key figure in the administration of then-Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and acted as a liaison between the administration and the city's African American clergy and community.
The two got to talking and Williams told Bowen about the flag, and Bowen asked if Williams' family would be willing to donate it.
Williams said yes and the flag was presented to living members of the 761st battalion who served under his uncle. It's housed in the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Chicago.
Williams, who is based out of Newark, New Jersey, will retire in October, as United's mandatory retirement age is 65.
But he's not ready, he said, joking he "still has gas in the tank."
Because of Federal Aviation Administration rules, he won't be able to fly commercially after retirement, but he can fly private charters or for private corporations.
"I'm going to know when it's time to hang it up," he said. "I want to retire on my own terms."
Williams, who enjoys golf, playing cards, attending The Ohio State University football games and is a Steelers season ticket holder, said he might take some courses at Youngstown State University when he retires for good. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from OSU.
He and wife, Audrey, met when they were 11 and 12, and are going on 44 years married. Williams said they plan to soon visit two of his favorite destinations -- Portugal and Amsterdam.
Williams has spent the last 15 years flying internationally. He said seeing the world has given him a perspective he wouldn't have otherwise.
"I've been around the world," he said, explaining he's lost track of how many countries he's visited but that he hasn't been to China or Russia. "This has given me a greater view of the world and definitely more wisdom."
Williams said he loves visiting the Christmas markets in Europe and enjoying the food and culture of places outside the U.S.
But for as many perks as there are traveling internationally, Williams said it makes him love his country all the more.
He credits the military with opening the door to all these experiences and said young people considering joining will learn what country and patriotism really mean.
"They get to learn a skill, to be a part of a team and to learn how to lead," he added.
Asked if he would make the same career choices today, Williams didn't hesitate.
"I would do it again in a heartbeat," he said. "I love it that much."
John D. "JD" Williams
AGE: 64
RESIDENCE: Liberty
SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. Air Force
MILITARY HONORS: Meritorious Service Medals, 2002, 2009 for outstanding service while assigned to the 757th Airlift Squadron, Youngstown Air Reserve Station; The Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement for missions flown during Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, 2005; Aerial Achievement Medal for delivering food and supplies during missions, 2006; Commander's Safety Award for his skill during catastrophic failure of a plane's bleed air duct after takeoff, 1990; among others.
OCCUPATION: Captain, United Airlines
FAMILY: Wife, Audrey; daughters, Lindsay and Allison; two grandchildren