William was born to be in the military, says his mother, Lisa who said her son was funny, smart, athletic and a "protector" to a fault. At the age of five, William declared that one day he would grow up to be a Navy SEAL. Though he was mentally and physically prepared, it was during his Navy physical he learned he was color blind, and his dream of becoming a SEAL was dashed. He then chose to become a Corpsman, graduating first in his class. After two years at Balboa Hospital and a transfer to Camp Le Jeune, his desire to get in the battlefield with 1st battalion 2nd Marines Weapons Company was realized. He came home from Afghanistan a hero in 2011. Devoted to his brothers, he chose to extend his five year commitment attaching to a scout sniper platoon. His life was cut short in an accident on the day he completed his training. William loved his family, friends and his country. "He was a bright light in our lives," said Lisa. "He has been gone nine years and it still feels like yesterday. I am proud and grateful to call him our son."