From the Navy to the National Guard: Bill Straily reflects on 22 years of military service

At just 18 years old, Bill Straily made a decision that would shape the rest of his life. He joined the United States Navy, beginning a 22-year military career that took him across the world, through multiple conflicts and ultimately helped shape the leader he would become.

Straily began his military service in the Navy as a jet mechanic, working on the F/A-18 Hornet at Naval Air Station Lemoore in California. During his six years in the Navy, he completed six-month Western Pacific deployments aboard two aircraft carriers, the USS Constellation and USS Independence. His service also included Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

After completing six years in the Navy, Straily returned to Oklahoma and continued serving his country by joining the Oklahoma Army National Guard at the Duncan Armory.

During his 16 years with the National Guard, Straily served as a field artilleryman and military police officer. His service included deployment for the invasion of Iraq and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After 22 years of combined military service, he retired.

When asked whether a particular person, experience or lesson shaped the person he is today, Straily pointed to his military career as a whole.

"I believe my whole life and who I am today was shaped by my military training and experience as a whole," Straily said.

That training and experience would prove valuable beyond his military career, particularly in his years serving in law enforcement and eventually as Comanche's police chief.

Straily credits much of his professional advancement to the discipline, leadership and experience he gained while serving in the military.

"I do not believe I could've rose to the rank of Police Chief without my military training and discipline," Straily said. "Also, the leadership courses and the leadership experience that I gained in the military helped me rise to the rank of Police Chief."

For Straily, the lessons learned in uniform extended well beyond the battlefield. The military helped establish the foundation for his approach to leadership, responsibility and service to others.

When reflecting on the meaning of Veterans Day, Straily said it is a time to recognize those who have served and appreciate the freedoms their service helps protect.

"To me, Veterans Day means a day to appreciate and thank veterans for their service that allows us to have the freedoms we have today," he said.

With 22 years of military service spanning two branches, multiple deployments and several major military operations, Straily's story is a reminder that service does not end when someone takes off the uniform. The discipline, commitment and leadership developed through military service can continue making a difference in communities long after a veteran returns home.

This Veterans Day, The Comanche Times recognizes Bill Straily and all the men and women who have answered the call to serve our country. Their sacrifices, dedication and commitment to protecting our freedoms deserve our gratitude not just on Veterans Day, but every day.