After serving three decades in the United States Air Force, Will Willis could have easily transitioned into a high-paying civilian role. With a background in air transportation and logistics, opportunities in the Seattle area were plentiful. But for Willis, the decision to continue serving wasn’t about financial gain—it was about people. His journey from military service to a leadership role at the American Red Cross exemplifies a lifelong commitment to service, integrity, and community.

Willis’s early life in St. Louis, Missouri, was marked by modest means and big dreams. Growing up in a family of eight, he often watched planes soar in and out of Lambert Airport, sparking a fascination that would shape his future. Enlisting in the military right after high school, he sought to be close to the aircraft he admired. Basic training led to his first assignment in Japan, where he embraced a new culture and began his career in military logistics.

It was during his second duty station in Dover, Delaware, that Willis found his professional stride. There, he honed his skills in transportation logistics and took part in several temporary duty assignments around the world. His deployments included support for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as humanitarian missions responding to natural disasters, such as Hurricane Andrew. In these moments, Willis first encountered the American Red Cross in action, witnessing their relief efforts alongside military operations.

One of his most vivid memories was during a hurricane response in Puerto Rico, where the Red Cross set up operations in a Burger King powered by a generator on a U.S. Coast Guard base. The fast-food restaurant became a hub for distributing hot meals and support, leaving a lasting impression on Willis of the organization’s resourcefulness and compassion.

Years later, the Red Cross would play a deeply personal role in his life. While stationed once again in Japan, Willis received devastating news: his brother Jeremiah had been fatally stabbed just days after his wedding. The Red Cross, through its Hero Care Network, swiftly verified the emergency and facilitated his return home. Within hours, Willis, his wife, and young son were on their way to St. Louis. His mother, he recalled, only found peace once they arrived. “She gave us embraces with a huge hug and she was like, ‘I can rest now,’” he remembered. “That’s the Red Cross power of them sending those messages.”

I found this detail striking—not just for its emotional weight, but for how it illustrates the tangible impact of emergency communication services on military families. The ability to reunite with loved ones in times of crisis is a powerful testament to the Red Cross’s mission.

Willis’s military career continued to flourish despite personal hardships. He rose through the ranks, recognized for his strategic thinking and leadership. His wife Lynn, who also served 24 years in the reserves, shared in the journey. Together, they navigated deployments, family life, and the challenges of military service with resilience and purpose.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Willis chose not to step away from service but to deepen it. He spent seven years as a military and veteran constituent representative for a Washington State senator, helping service members and their families navigate complex systems like the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration. His dedication did not go unnoticed. After delivering a speech in Tacoma, he was invited to join the American Red Cross Northwest Region as a volunteer board member. That role grew into board president, and eventually, a full-time position as Director of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services.

In this current role, Willis channels his experience and values into programs that support military-connected individuals. From behavioral health workshops to delivering baby baskets to new military parents, his work continues to reflect the Air Force’s core principles: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all things.

“The Red Cross is all about people,” Willis said. “It’s all about humanity. It's about giving back, about being there. Through Service to the Armed Forces, I get to deliver help before they even ask.”

His story highlights several natural points of connection for those interested in military service careers, Red Cross volunteer opportunities, and emergency communication for military families. These themes, woven throughout his life, underscore the enduring value of service-oriented leadership.

Willis remains humble about his achievements, viewing each chapter as part of a larger mission. “Nobody's doing these types of jobs for the pay,” he said. “It’s because we have a heart for the people.”

His life offers a compelling example of how service doesn’t end with retirement. For Willis, and many like him, it evolves—reaching beyond the uniform to continue uplifting others through organizations like the American Red Cross.

Read more at redcross.org