Grant Williams
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Grant Williams
Service: US Marine Corps. Note to editors: The word Marines is always capitalized, regardless of what Strunk and White or any other editorial protocols state!
Years: 27
Current Company: Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
Role: Chief Operating Officer
Industry: Museum
Why did you enter the military? My father was a career Marine and a significant influence in my life. After college, I wanted to do something different beyond a desk or office job. I didn’t plan on making the Marine Corps a career, let alone serving 27 years on active duty and the Reserves, but history had other plans. World events, challenging assignments and the privilege of serving alongside remarkable Marines kept me motivated and committed far longer than I ever anticipated.
Enlistment age? 19. I was a college sophomore and joined the Platoon Leadership Corps (PLC) to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) over two separate summers. It is basically boot camp for potential Marine Corps officers.
Where did you serve? I flew CH-46E helicopters at MCAS Tustin and MCAS El Toro, with deployments all over the world.
What did you learn? I learned the importance of accountability and the simple truth that if you take care of your Marines, they will take care of you. In the civilian world, you would think taking care of your people would be an intrinsic leadership trait—but too often, it isn’t. Many organizations talk about teamwork and loyalty, but few leaders understand that those things are earned through action, consistency, and genuine commitment to the people who make the mission possible.
What could you do in the military that you couldn’t do in civilian life? The most significant experience was flying assault helicopters in combat and humanitarian relief efforts. A specific experience that I could not have done in civilian life was being embedded with the Hungarian Air Force to evaluate their helicopter tactics and Night Vision capabilities.
Hungary was at that time applying to join NATO, and I am glad that it is now a full member. The Hungarians are true warriors and only make NATO stronger.
What was the biggest lesson you learned about discipline? Growing up with a Marine Corps father instilled discipline in me—though I did my best to fight it at the time. When I eventually became a Marine myself, I learned there are no shortcuts.
True character is revealed when no one is watching, and that’s when discipline matters most—when you choose to execute the task or mission above and beyond what is required simply because it’s the right thing to do. I learned that not from speeches or manuals, but from fellow Marines who never knew I was watching.
Did you deploy overseas and what was your takeaway? I spent most of my time in the Marine Corps deployed to various African, European and Persian Gulf countries. Anyone who complains about living in the United States has never spent time outside the country to fully grasp the opportunities and quality of life they take for granted.
