Honoring Veterans Campaign - Jeff Williamson

Veteran, Army Reserves 

I joined the Army Reserves at the end of my senior year of high school and left for basic training the day after graduation at the age of 17.  I was looking for a way to help pay for college and it sounded like a challenge. I was correct- I was challenged both mentally and physically in ways I could not have even imagined.  After 13 weeks away, I returned home with more self-confidence and 30 additional pounds of muscle on my skinny frame.

I was a member of the 671st Engineer Company and our job was to build floating bridges that were used to ferry equipment across rivers in the event that the regular bridges were unusable.  I was in the military for 14 years from 1988 to 2001.  I was a staff sergeant responsible for the boat section when I was honorably discharged.

My time in the military taught me many things that I use today as a member of the Parks Department, and it is not JUST how to properly clean a bathroom.  I learned how to work with people to complete a task.  Learning how to lead people to complete a project or follow the lead of someone else, both are important skills to have.

I learned that attention to detail can make all the difference in a job well done. My son is now training in the ROTC program at The University of Portland. I am so proud that he has seen the value in military service and I applaud him and all others who have chosen to serve our country.