United States Air Force Senior Airman E4 Ted Williams Jr. was born in Lawton, Oklahoma and raised in the rural town of Apache, Oklahoma. Williams grew up in a blended family; his father, a factory worker and his mother, a teacher. During his childhood, Williams enjoyed attending church, school, and playing basketball. He later met his wife, Hope, through mutual friends and the pair have been married for 12 years.
Wanting to serve his country and further his education, Williams decided to join the U.S. Air Force in December of 2010. He loved experiencing life in different parts of the country as well as learning something new every day. Throughout his career, Williams served in 741 MSFS in Malmstrom, Montana. He achieved Airman of the Quarter, as well as Marksmanship with M4. Williams was involved in a vehicle roll over, leading to a C4-C6 spinal cord injury. He was in the hospital for six months before enduring intense rehabilitation. He would like to thank his wife, Hope, and his son, Hudson, for being his support system throughout his recovery process.
Williams currently loves to spend time with family, listen to music, play basketball, and drink coffee. He is also heavily involved in his church and the Paralyzed Veterans Association. In the future, he is most excited to meet his new child who is on the way, as well as continue to watch his son, Hudson, grow. Williams is also grateful to the Foundation for providing him with a mortgage-free smart home that is accessible and inclusive of his needs. He would like others to know that we all have something that “paralyzes” us, however, it leads to personal growth.