CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER — Georgia National Guard CWO2 Frank Williams on Jan. 24 received the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara award, which was given to him by the U.S. Field Artillery Association during the Saint Barbara’s Day Ball in Athens.
Williams, a native of McIntosh County, serves as the targeting officer in the 214th Field Artillery Battalion in Elberton. Williams is also the state director of the Georgia Youth Challenge Academies. He has served in numerous military assignments as an artilleryman and has been recognized for his technical and tactical abilities. Williams is a former colonel in the Georgia National Guard and converted to warrant officer in order to continue to serve the country.
The Ancient Order of Saint Barbara recognizes the contributions of Williams in the venerable history of field artillery. This honor acknowledges his professional commitment and underscores the standards of excellence that Williams epitomizes.
Williams has received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Component Medal and the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, among many others. He has a graduate degree in education from Georgia Southern University and completed the Command and General Staff College. He graduated from the field artillery basic and advanced courses.
Under his leadership as state director, the Georgia National Guard Youth Challenge Academy has experienced one of the highest success rates in the nation. To date, Georgia’s YCA has seen approximately 10,000 young people graduate and earn their GEDs. Youth Challenge has one campus on Fort Stewart and a second campus on Fort Gordon.
Maj. Gen. Larry E. Dudney, director of the Joint Staff, Georgia National Guard, presented the award to Williams at the annual Saint Barbara’s Ball.
Williams lives in South Georgia with his wife Martha, and is the father of two daughters, Laura and Becky. He is the son of Frank Williams Jr. of Meridian, a World War II veteran.