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Williams says patriotism is part of his identity
news
May 21, 2024
Williams says patriotism is part of his identity
By JACOB BOWLING SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER,

For Roland resident Greg Williams, patriotism isn’t just a concept—it’s a deeply ingrained part of his identity. Born and raised in Roland, Williams’ early years were steeped in a sense of duty and a profound admiration for those who served their country. “I remember hearing my grandfather (a WWII vet) talk about the importance of serving one’s country, and I dreamed of being a soldier one day,” he says.

With a family history rich in military service, Williams’ path to enlistment felt inevitable. “My brothers joined the military before me, and I always looked up to them,” he recalls. As he approached the end of high school, the specter of the Vietnam War loomed large. “I didn’t want to be drafted; I wanted to make a deliberate choice,” he says.

So, with a mixture of determination and apprehension, he made the decision to enlist in the United States Army, knowing full well the risks that lay ahead.

“After joining the Army, I went through basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri,” Greg recollects. “It was tough, but I knew it was preparing me for what lay ahead.” Following his basic training, Greg was assigned to the renowned 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as the “Sky Soldiers.” Stationed at Okinawa, Japan, Greg underwent grueling training in airborne operations, jungle warfare, and combat tactics in preparation for his deployment to Vietnam.

“The 173rd Airborne Brigade was like a family to me,” Greg reflects. “We trained hard, and we looked out for each other. It was tough, but we were ready for whatever came our way.” The 173rd Airborne Brigade, also known as the “Sky Soldiers,” played a crucial role in the Vietnam War. As the first major U.S. Army ground formation deployed in Vietnam in May 1965, the brigade faced a myriad of challenges in the dense jungles and rugged terrain of Southeast Asia. Consisting of three infantry battalions, an artillery battalion, and support units, the brigade was tasked with conducting combat operations against Viet Cong guerrilla forces and North Vietnamese Army units.

During his time in Vietnam, Greg experienced the full spectrum of warfare, from grueling jungle patrols to intense combat engagements.

“One of the defining moments of my service came during the Battle of Dak To in November 1967,” Greg recounts. “We were stationed in the Central Highlands region near the border with Laos, and we faced relentless enemy attacks and fierce fighting against North Vietnamese Army units.”

Despite the overwhelming odds, Greg demonstrated courage and resilience, earning him the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in action.

“The Battle of Dak To was one of the toughest battles we fought,” Greg says solemnly. “But we stuck together and fought with everything we had.”

Returning home from Vietnam was a bittersweet experience for Greg. Like many veterans of his generation, he struggled to re-adjust to civilian life after witnessing the horrors of war firsthand. However, with the support of his family and community, Greg found solace in the tranquility of his hometown of Roland.

Today, he resides on his family’s property in Roland, where he shares a home with his daughter Allison and her family. Greg finds peace in the embrace of his loved ones and the tranquility of nature. Despite the challenges he faced in Vietnam and the scars he carries with him, Greg remains hopeful for the future and says that he is proud to see the service men and women now, and sleeps well knowing that the U.S. Army is still strong.

Church breaks ground on new worship center
Main, news
Church breaks ground on new worship center
October 14, 2025
East Side Free Will Baptist church held a special groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday for their new 14,000-plus-squarefoot worship and ministry center, expected to open in December 2026. The new facilit...
Main, news
Klineline takes over libraries
October 14, 2025
Eastern Oklahoma Library System is pleased to announce that Muldrow Public Library and Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library will now be under the management of Shared Branch Manager Julie Klineline. She has...
Main, news
Muldrow woman injured in collision
By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR 
October 14, 2025
A Muldrow woman was injured last Friday morning in a three-vehicle collision on Hwy. 59 in Sequoyah County, according to a report issued by Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP). Troopers said the crash occur...
Search continues for missing teen
Main, news
Search continues for missing teen
Roland juvenile is located
By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR 
October 14, 2025
Roland Police said a male juvenile that was reported missing on Oct. 2 has now been located. Authorities reported that Skyler Butler, 15, was reported missing after last being seen at about 1 p.m. on ...
Kozie Quilters award Quilts of Valor to eight local veterans
Main, news
Kozie Quilters award Quilts of Valor to eight local veterans
October 14, 2025
The Kozie Quilters of Sequoyah County hosted a Quilts of Valor presentation on Oct. 1, at Trinity Methodist Church, east of Muldrow on Hwy. 64. Eight veterans were each recognized for their service to...
Central football homecoming held
Main, news
Central football homecoming held
October 14, 2025
The Central Tigers celebrated their football homecoming prior to Friday night’s District AII-3 home game against No. 1 Talihina at Tiger Stadium. Homecoming king Mekko Ariza (top left) crowned Madison...
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VOD, PP scholarship contests open to local students
October 14, 2025
The Muldrow Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Post 8384 is offering two scholarship contests and awards to local students, Voice of Democracy (VOD) and Patriot’s Pen (PP). This year’s theme for b...
news
After review, price cuts, annex is OK’d
By LYNN ADAMS STAFF WRITER 
October 14, 2025
When the lowest bid for construction of the new Sequoyah County Courthouse annex came in at $4 million — about twice as much as county commissioners had anticipated — it sent shockwaves through the co...
news
Cherokee County agrees to aid in emergency management role
By LYNN ADAMS STAFF WRITER 
October 14, 2025
Despite the recent abrupt resignation of Brad Taylor as director of Sequoyah County Emergency Management, county commissioners aren’t panicking. After all, Cherokee County has apparently taken the “Fr...
Rep. Turner recognizes local heroes at state Capitol
news
Rep. Turner recognizes local heroes at state Capitol
October 14, 2025
Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, on Tuesday at the state Capitol recognized two men he describes as heroes. First was Haskell County Assistant District Attorney James Green who received the 2025 Award of Exc...
The Power of the Church
Commentary
The Power of the Church
By Shirley R. Watts 
October 14, 2025
Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). The power of the Church comes from the Holy Spirit of the Living God, not by any man, politician nation or denomination. Persecutor Convicted A ma...
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