Uriah Williams

Uriah Williams enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2016 during his junior year of high school in Fredericksburg, Iowa. Coming from a family with a strong history of military service, he always knew he would serve his country.

Upon graduating in 2017, Uriah attended One Station Unit Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he became a Combat Engineer. He was then sent to Ft. Irwin, California, with five other new soldiers from his Basic Training company and assigned to the 58th Combat Engineer Company, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

During his time with the 58th, Uriah served in many roles. He began in the Engineer Reconnaissance Platoon, serving on an anti-tank team as a machine gunner, javelin gunner, rifleman, and eventually as a team leader. He later transferred to the Headquarters Platoon, where he served as the Reconnaissance NCO and Command Driver for his Company Commander. Shortly after these role transitions, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

He also held the appointed duty of Suicide Intervention NCO, where he worked with soldiers reporting suicidal ideation to ensure they received the care they needed and knew about available resources on base.

After leaving the Army in 2020, Uriah met his now wife, Emma, who introduced him to her hometown of Shawano. They moved back in 2021 when he accepted the position as Peace UCC’s settled pastor before transitioning to Executive Director of the Shawano Area United Way in 2024.

Together they have a wonderful daughter, Hatley, and enjoy hiking at Maple Hills, visiting the local Farmer’s Market, and attending saYPro events.

To young men and women considering service, Uriah says:

“Serving in the Army was one of the best decisions I ever made. It helped pay for both of my college degrees, gave me skills that I still use today, and set me on a path for success while meeting amazing people along the way. I highly recommend serving if you’re already thinking about it. Three years sounds like a long time, but it goes by in a flash and the results are worth it!”