Turner is Veteran of the Month

A woman, an older man and council member Anthony Dillard pose for a photo. The man in the middle holds a plaque.

William Turner, District 10, is Choctaw Nation’s Veteran of the Month.

Turner was born in Atoka, Okla., where he lived until joining the military on June 8, 1973, enlisting in the OK National Guard Combat Support Company 180, 45th division.

Turner did his basic training and AIT at Ft. Polk, LA., and was in a Four Duce (4.2) Mortar Platoon as ammo bearer, assistant gunner, then gunner, FDC (Fire Direction Center) and FO (Forward Observer.)

He worked for the National Guard in Atoka before joining the US Army in Oct. 1977. He was sent to Schweinfurt, Germany, to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division under Gen. Alexander Haig and Henry Kissinger. He served under eight presidents, starting off in a Mortar Platoon, a FO for artillery, and a 1st Sergeant Driver.

Turner was discharged in 1979, stayed out for a year, and re-enlisted in the National Guard for the next three years. He was a Squad Leader in the mortar platoon and FDC.

In 1993, Turner was assigned to the 95th Division in Durant, Okla., where he worked until they closed, then went to Shawnee, and then to Okla. City with the 95th, training NCO. He conducted numerous trainings/instructions throughout the U.S. until retiring on Dec. 7, 2010, with the rank of E7.

Turner’s favorite duty station was in Germany where he enjoyed the food, people, transportation system, and the language. He earned awards including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Award, 9 RComs, 9 Army Achievement Medals, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Forces Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Operation Enduring Freedom Medal, and other citations and certificates of appreciation.

After retirement, Turner began employment with Choctaw Nation, working on buses, then as assistant grounds manager before promoting to manager. He has two daughters, Michelle and Sarah, eight grandchildren, and his first great-grandchild is expected next month.

The Choctaw Nation holds our veterans in the highest esteem and appreciates their sacrifices and contributions to preserve our freedoms and the way of life we hold dear.