For Robert Earl Williams, the love of aviation began in 1941 in Payette, Idaho, at the age of five, washing small aircraft near Grandma Oglesby's ranch to get free rides on a J3-Cub.
At eighteen, he joined the Air Force, attended basic training and went to school in Amarillo, Texas to study aircraft and engine mechanics. He became an instructor, and luckily found a great deal on a Taylor Craft to fly whenever possible.
After three years in the Air Force, he went to pharmacy school in Utah and began to consider a career in medicine. In 1968, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine granted him a degree in medicine. During this time, he nurtured his penchant for flying with the purchase of a 1972 Cessna Skyhawk.
In 1976, he went back to the Air Force where he served as the medical member of the Crash Investigation Team for the Tactical Air Command in Washington, D.C. He continued to use these skills with the Washington National Guard and the active Army all over Europe, Fort Rucker, and the Western Army Aviation Site in Marana, Arizona. In 1978 he switched to the Air Force Reserve to pursue private practice.
That same year, Command Sergeant Major of the Washington National Guard enticed him to head up the 116th Armored Calvary Attack Helicopter Company's medical team. When Mt. St. Helens erupted, his Attack Helicopter Troop was the first Army crew to engage in rescue efforts. Over 130 people were rescued by this team the first day. Dr. Williams received the prestigious Valley Forge Cross for his heroic efforts.
In the fall of 1981, Dr. Williams went into the regular active Army and was assigned for three years as Clinic Commander to the 18th Medical Detachment in Schwabisch Hall, Germany. Concurrently, he served as Aviation Medical Advisor to the European Air Traffic Control Battalions.
Upon return, he started a three-part Aerospace Residency. The phases included: going to Harvard to obtain a Master of Public Health degree, completeing a residency at Brooks Air Force base, and training with the Navy in Pensacola.
He then took an assignment at Fort Rucker as Director of the Army Aeromedical Activity. In 1988, he went from Title 10 to AGR in Marana, Arizona as Chief of Aviation Medicine.
In 1993, he began his last military stint as the State Flight Surgeon of New Mexico for the next three years.
Col. Williams lived in Salem, Ohio, with his wife Patricia, and their rescued dog, Harvey. He served as a consultant to Theiss Aviation, a Salem company specializing in Unmanned Aero Vehicles. After he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease his love of aviation continued. He read and researched aircraft daily. His enthusiasm, humor and courage are timeless. Col. Williams served his country for over 32 years (including 20 years active duty) as a member of the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Army National Guard and the Army. This service was always done with great pride, excellence, and love of country.