‘It’s not about me, it’s about us’: A veteran’s message for Veterans Day

aired; November 11, 2026 For retired Army Colonel James E. Williams Jr., Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the past, recognize the sacrifices made by military families, and consider how everyone can contribute to their country and community. Williams served 24 years and 11 months in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam. His military career took him around the world and included leadership positions with the 101st Airborne Division, assignments in Germany and Hawaii, and a role as professor of military science and chairman of the Department of Military Science at Howard University. But joining the military wasn t originally part of his plan. Williams graduated from West Chester State Teachers College hoping to teach history and geography and coach. Finding a teaching position, however, proved difficult. He says several school superintendents in the Philadelphia suburbs told him his qualifications were good, but that their communities were not ready to hire Black men as teac