William retired after 13 years of service as a sergeant. While on active duty, William received his “EIB” (Expert Infantry Badge) and Parachute Badge. He was in many high-speed light infantry units; anything they needed they carried with them. In the Ohio National Guard, William oversaw communications inside and outside the wire.

As William transitioned to civilian life, he got his associate degree in computers and communication. For over 10 years he helped his company excel and grow.
In 2010, everything caught up to William and he hit a wall. PTSD and a neurological disorder knocked him down, but not out.
It took alot of hard work and time, but he took this challenge head-on. The biggest challenge for him was not just being alive, but living life itself.

William is now a writer and painter. He shares his gifts as much as he can, and finds peace and happiness doing his art. It frees him up to be a good husband, grandfather, dad, uncle, and friend. He lives life to find good in every day, to treat those as he wants to be treated, and to live life to the fullest.

I have been painting for five years now. Art has allowed me to slow down my thoughts. I have used it to bond with my grandchildren and other people. I use it for physical therapy to help keep my hands strong. It has also provided good gifts for others.

My art therapist is Alyssa Gruett. I really do not have a favorite. I like to try everything. That is the wonderful thing about art; if you like it, that is all that matters.