In November of 1988, Tony Williams enlisted in the US Air Force as a Security Police officer. He began his Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He also completed duty specific training at Lackland Air Force Base as well as Camp Bullis in Texas and Fort Dix in New Jersey. This training was required before Tony could go to this first duty station, which happened to be at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. Tony was active during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, but he did not travel overseas due to a priority mission that included service a nuclear base in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
After Tony left active-duty Air Force in April of 1992, he enlisted in the Maryland Air National Guard in December of 1992. He was assigned to the 175th Security Forces Squadron in Baltimore, Maryland. This specific unit provided security and force protection for the installation and the C-130 and A-10 aircraft that was stationed there. During his time in the Air Guard, Tony traveled all over the United States and even traveled to several overseas locations where he supported missions for the C-130 and A-10 aircraft.
His participation in the Air Guard was by far the most exciting time in Tony’s career. He was a part of one of the first Air National Guard missions to support Operation Southern Watch, which provided protection for the “No Fly Zone” in Iraq. Tony also responded to the crash of the F-117 Stealth Fighter during an airshow at the Warfield Air National Guard Base in Baltimore, Maryland.
After the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, Tony Was called back to active duty in October of 2001. He was assigned a home station at the Air Base in Baltimore, Maryland. At that time, his unit was in higher force protection conditions. This required all of the personnel and also additional personnel from the Army Guard units in the area. The unit was tasked with small squads of personnel deploying to different locations across the nation and overseas. Tony was assigned to train Army units to backfill at their installation so they could be further deployed. After the training was complete, Tony was deployed to lead a squad of personnel to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. While there, the main duty was to provide protection to that specific installation.
After several months in Virginia, Tony was then deployed to a classified location in Saudi Arabia in order to support the ground war in Iraq. Later on, he deployed to Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait. After that, Tony saw service in Iraq before he returned home to his base in Baltimore, Maryland. He was discharged from the active duty call in October of 2003. Tony ended his enlistment in the Guard in 2004. He served a total of 16 years between the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard.
Tony’s main reasoning for serving began with his father and stepfather, who both served in the Army. His uncle served in the Air Force as well. They all offered Tony advice, and told him he should join the Air Force if he wanted to serve his country. Therefore, service to the community and to the country runs deep through Tony’s blood.
His family had supported his decision to enlist in the Air Force. They all took great pride in his service. While he was away, Tony stayed in touch with loved ones from home though many letters and phone calls. The letters and calls really carried him when he was down and missing home. He had a lot of support and three small children at home he needed to return safely to. Because of his communication and the abundance of support he received, Tony believed he had it easy compared to those that served in wars before him, and even those that served after. All in all, Tony was very fortunate and found it extremely rewarding to serve his country.
While he was actively serving, Tony kept pictures of his family with him for good luck. He also kept a few verses of scripture that his mother and sister sent to him. He recalled a memorable time back when he was in Kuwait patrolling the outskirts of the base. In Kuwait, there were desert lizards that the locals called “Dub-Dubs.” They were abundant and the soldiers saw them everywhere. One day, the local Kuwait translator that was travelling with the soldiers, challenged Tony to catch one of the “Dub-Dubs.” Apparently, it was next to impossible to catch one of those things because they were incredibly fast and had several holes, they could quickly dodge into in order to avoid predators. Tony took the translator up on the challenge and made several attempts to catch one. However, to no avail, he just could not get it done. This set everyone off into fits of laughter as they watched Tony run around like a crazy man diving to the ground trying in an attempt to capture one. Later on in the day, Tony was still determined. He was driving the Humvee and got close enough, so he jumped out of the moving Humvee and hit the ground running. He was sprinting, determined to get the “Dub Dub,” and succeeded. He was then known as the “Great Dub-Dub Hunter” and even has pictures today to prove it.
Prior to joining the service, Tony had no expectation of what it would be like, except what his stepfather shared with him about his time in Vietnam. Tony knew so many things had changed since his stepfather’s time, so he figured it would be easier. Looking back, he recalled that in some ways it was easier, however, everyone’s experience based upon their location was ultimately different.
Tony also recalled his transition back into everyday home life and had advice for those who are returning home. He advised those returning to reach out to all of the different Veteran organizations and surround yourself with those who can relate to your experiences. The support and assistance for Veterans these days is so much better than what was provided before. He assured that there is always someone who cares about you and is proud that you served, and it is extremely important to never forget that part.
Overall, Tony believed his time in the service helped him mature greatly and made him a better person overall. He highly recommended it to anyone, whether they serve on Active Duty or in the Guard and Reserve. Still to this day, Tony folds his clothes the same way he did back in Basic Training. He also preaches attention to detail to both his kids and those that work for him in civilian life.
In 2021, Tony joined the Millersville VFW. Shortly after he joined, he learned that the VFW was short of active members to serve in officer positions. It was required to have certain positions in order to continue to operate. Tony realized how wonderful of an organization the Millersville VFW was and he wanted to ensure it continued to operate. Therefore, he stepped up to do his part for the Veterans and the community and took an officer position.
Tony enjoys his position at the VFW. He enjoys the comradery and being able to make a difference. He, along with the rest of the employees and officers, have been working as a team in order to revitalize the Post and make it a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. The team has definitely accomplished a lot in a short period of time. Tony realizes it is a big responsibility and that several members have been carrying the load for a long time. Now, it is time for others to step up. Tony wants more active members and younger Veterans to come be a part of the team to fill roles and be a part of the wonderful organization.
Over the last year, Tony recalls all of the changes he has seen at the VFW. The Post is growing and more events are being offered, which creates more opportunities for people to come out and enjoy the great food and live music. He particularly enjoys the different food specials, Wing Night, live bands and playing keno (when he wins!) Tony also hinted at the fun things planned for the future at the Post as everyone works to try new concepts and to keep up with the changing trends of the time.
The overall atmosphere of the Millersville VFW is one that is family oriented. Tony recalled a time when his wife and kids were at the Post, as well as his brother from Virginia, and they all had a blast together. He enjoys getting down to the music and busting a move in order to get some good laughs. The Post and its patrons just feel like family to him.
Outside of his position as one of the officers at the VFW, Tony also serves as a volunteer firefighter at two different fire companies. He also serves two communities as their Emergency Management Coordinator. When he is not working, he does find time to spend with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Tony Williams served our country and continues to do so today with his volunteer work and involvement with the Millersville VFW. He is a family man; he is a hard worker, and he is someone who has so much more to him than meets the eye. Next time you’re at the Post, tell him to request a song, and watch him bust a move. The world needs more people with a service attitude and tenacious personality.
WRITTEN BY: McKayla Herman