CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga., January 24, 2011 – Georgia National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 Frank Williams recently received the prestigious Ancient Order of Saint Barbara award presented by the U.S. Field Artillery Association during the Saint Barbara’s Day Ball held in Athens, Ga.

Williams, a native of McIntosh County, currently serves as the targeting officer in the 214th Field Artillery Battalion in Elberton, Ga.  Williams is also the State Director of the Georgia Youth ChalleNGe Academies.  He has served in numerous military assignments as an artilleryman and has been recognized for his outstanding technical and tactical abilities. Williams is a former colonel in the Georgia National Guard and converted to a Warrant Officer position in order to continue serving the country.

The Ancient Order of Saint Barbara recognized the contributions of Williams in the long and venerable history of field artillery. This honor acknowledges his professional commitment and underscores the lofty standards of excellence that Williams epitomizes.

Williams has received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Component Medal, and the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal among many others.  He also holds a graduate degree in Education from Georgia Southern University and completed the Command and General Staff College.  He graduated from the Field Artillery Basic and Advanced courses.

Under his leadership as State Director, the Georgia National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy (YCA) has experienced one of the highest success rates in the nation.  To date, Georgia’s YCA has seen approximately 10,000 young people graduate and achieve their GEDs, giving them a second chance to succeed.  The Georgia Youth ChalleNGe Academy has one campus at Fort Stewart and a second campus at Fort Gordon.

Presenting the distinguished award to Williams at the annual Saint Barbara’s Ball was Brig. Gen. Larry E. Dudney, Director of the Joint Staff, Georgia National Guard.

Williams lives in South Georgia with his wife Martha, and is the father of two daughters Laura and Becky.  He is the son of Frank Williams, Jr. of Meridian, a World War II veteran.

Contacts:

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ken Baldowski at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Media Relations Officer, Office – 678-569-6064;  Cell – 404-409-8104

Maj. John Alderman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

State Public Affairs Officer, Office – 678-569-6060

Photo contributed by Jessica Cartledge - JLC Photography