William was born in Virginia and ended up in foster homes by 14 years old. At 18 he joined the United States Army. He spent a little over 20 years in the Army and retired as a Master Sergeant and is a one hundred percent service-connected disabled veteran. His military decorations include The Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, an Airforce Commendation, Five Army Achievement Medals, 6 Good Conduct Medals, a Korean Service Medal and 2 National Defense Medals. One for Vietnam era and one for Iraq era. His overseas Tours were in Germany, Hawaii, and 2 tours in Korea.