Photographing Final Honors at Arlington National Cemetery
John Michael is known for his untiring work of capturing the final honors of many, many veterans and their spouses and delivering a memorial book of the ceremony to the family/next of kin. For over a decade he has been commissioned to use his talents and creativity to create a lasting memory of the respect and dignity that are afforded to military veterans.
His work usually goes unthanked but in this case, the Command Sergeant Major of the Military District of Washington, CSM Michael W. Williams reached out to express some gratitude for it.
Who is CSM Michael W. Williams?
By Kyra O. Davenport
Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Michael W. Williams embodies the definition of the word leadership. He is dedicated, full of integrity, and displays a sense of humor; he can best be described as a simplifier… one who is able to make complex issues plainly and understandable. As the Command Sergeant Major of the military organization known as the Guardian of the Nation’s Capital, he epitomizes the professionalism of his soldiers at the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (JFHQNCR/MDW). Truly a soldier’s soldier, evidenced by the numerous awards, previous command plaques, and photographs presenting a military career of service that has spanned more than 30 years. One of the first things he mentioned was a quote from his mother about relationships. “Rules without relationships lead to rebellion,” said Williams. “Establish relationships first then learn the organization.”
Williams is originally from Florida and enlisted in the Army in January 1978. He completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and began his career as an artilleryman. He has held every leadership position in his career field, serving in positions from section chief to Division Command Sergeant Major. His awards and decorations include two Bronze Stars (1 Oak leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and several other distinguished medals.
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Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images. Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a view of what was over time. An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.
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