Major Leon O. Williams Major Leon O. Williams, a 1988 Washington County High School graduate and native of Laton Hill, was honored at a formal retirement ceremony on Aug. 11 in Warren, Mich. Maj. Williams is the son of Cynthia Williams and Ludean Deraken, both of Laton Hill and the late L.O. Williams. His grandmother is Christine Bryars of the Barlow community.

He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Quartermaster, in June 1995, through the reserve officertraining program at Auburn University. His previous assignments include avionics and electrician squad leader, Delta Company 1st Battalion 131st Aviation, Alabama National Guard (1988-1995); director of plans, training and security (S-2/3), Camp Red Cloud, Korea (1996-1997); logistics platoon leader, executive officer and Class IX warehouse accountable officer, 194th Maintenance Battalion, Camp Humphreys, Korea (1997- 1998); executive officer, personnel and supply officer (S-1/4), 266th Quartermaster Battalion, Fort Lee, Va. (1998-2000); chief United States Army Japan command center, Camp Zama, Japan (2000-2002); company commander, headquarters and headquarters company, 505th Quartermaster Battalion, Okinawa, Japan (2002- 2003); group transportation officer, 10th Area Support Group, Okinawa, Japan (2003-2005); assistant program manager for the modular fuel system, TACOM LCMC, Detroit Arsenal, Mich. (2005-2007).

On March 1, 2008, Maj. Williams assumed duty as the operations officer with Product Director Army Watercraft Systems.

Personal awards and decorations include the Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Aviation Crewman's Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

Major Williams is a graduate of Auburn University in the college of engineering with a bachelor of aviation management. He is married to Hiromi and they have three children Shori, Luke and Sophia.