NORFOLK
While others finish high school unsure of their futures, William H. Jefferson had no doubts as he graduated from Norfolk’s Lake Taylor High School in 1991.
He had already selected his life’s path and planned to march down it in a Marine Corps uniform, said his sister, Tammy Davis, 37, of Virginia Beach.
And he did, making a career of the military that eventually brought him into the Air Force.
On Saturday, he was serving in Afghanistan when the vehicle he was in hit an improvised explosive device.
The Pentagon announced Sunday that the 34-year-old technical sergeant died from wounds suffered in that blast, near Sperwan Ghar.
“The whole draw was to serve his country,” Davis said Sunday night. “For the last two years of high school, he knew he wanted to go in the service.”
Jefferson was assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron based at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.
He was on his third tour in that part of the world, his sister said.
In e-mails home during his deployments, Jefferson had said he could see improvement over time.
“He talked about the differences he saw,” Davis said, “that everyone was making things better. He definitely believed that he should be there and that the U.S. was doing the right thing. He fully supported it 100 percent.”
He was to have returned stateside in 30 days, Davis said.
Jefferson had settled on the Marine Corps “because they said he could get into sky-diving school and scuba school,” Davis said.
He spent four years in the Corps. But even as he grew into a good warrior, he also realized he wanted to be a good husband, she said.
“He had decided he wanted to marry his high school sweetheart,” Davis said, “but he realized that in the Marine Corps, he was gone way too much.”
So Jefferson traded his uniform, donning Air Force blues, determined to serve and have a family.
“He’s been in the Air Force 12 years and planned to stay to retirement,” Davis said.
He had earned his bachelor’s degree and was working toward his master’s, his sister said.
“He wanted to teach high school. He was leaning toward history or government.”
She said he had settled on that as his next profession “because he thought that kids at that age need direction to pick the right path.”
Jefferson “just thought he could help kids,” she said.
He and his wife Kristy – his high school sweetheart, from Virginia Beach – would have marked their 15th anniversary in May.
Their second child, a daughter to be named Natalie, is due in May. Their daughter, Tyler, turned 8 two weeks ago, Davis said.
The family has been living in Fayetteville, N.C.
Jefferson’s parents live in Hampton Roads, in Norfolk.
“Everybody loved him,” Davis said. “It didn’t matter who he met, he just attracted people. He had a great sense of humor, just a big kid.”
She said the family also has learned he was respected. They have spoken with other men in his unit who said he was “a mentor, a great leader.”
When asked if there was anything she wanted to add about her brother, Davis’ voice grew stronger.
“Just tell people how proud we are of him,” Davis said.
“He was doing his job. He was doing what he thought was right,” she said.
“He is actually the all-American boy story; two kids, white picket fence,” she said. “A true hero in every sense of the word.”
Steve Stone, (757) 446-2309 , steve.stone@pilotonline.com
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God Bless You William
It was an honor to call you my friend. I had the privilege of knowing William when we were kids. We played little league baseball together at Fairlawn. Even at a young age it was obvious that William was special. He was the kind of person that always cared more about others than himself. He is a true hero. God bless you and your family...
My friend Will...
I had the pleasure to meet and become great friends with William "Blue Eyes" Jefferson during the Non Commissioned Officer Academy at Gunter AFB Annex, August - September 07. We hit it off immediately and pretty much spent every hour together for 6 weeks studying, rehearsing speeches, eating, watching movies and of course playing poker. He completely changed my view of Combat Controllers and their way of life. He always said he was just a dumb guy who would be lucky to graduate the course, but he went on to become not only our class leader but a distinguished graduate as well (I can't think of anyone more deserving than he that day). It truly saddens my heart and soul horribly to know that he is gone. I saw not only a man truly dedicated to his country, but a devoted father and husband that prized his daughter and wife more than anything else in this world.
To Kristy, Tyler and Natalie, Brenda's and my thoughts and prayers are with you during these times. Please know that the times I spent with Will as I'm sure like many others will be cherished forever. Although he may be fallen, our friend will never be forgotten...
Stoney
prayer continued
struggles, and bring them through the tough things ahead. Come alongside them in their pain, and strengthen them so they'll one day be able to help others who face the same struggles
Amy Henry
Fallen Hero
Dear Kristy, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish deeply there was something I could say. I am writing to express my deepest sympathy to you. I must say it has been an honor to know Will. It was a blessing to have him as a part of our family. My last memory of him was at your dad's. It was filled with laughter and lasting memories. As I read the article regarding his passing, it brought tears to my eyes. Many men and women have lost their lives serving our country, my heart goes out to all of their families. I never imagined the pain that they felt until now. Will proudly fought for our country with intent to make it a safer place. For this reason I am truly honored that I had the chance to know him. My thoughts are with you and our family always. You are in my prayers.
Amy Henry
Father, I pray for Kristy Jefferson and others in my circle of family and friends who are grieving...
They're hurting for many reasons, and I ask You to help them through this season of loss. I reach out to You, the Father of compassion and the Source of every comfort, asking You to touch them with Your unfailing love and kindness. Be their God who comforts them as they're going through their
William (Willy) Jefferson was a phenomenal guy
I knew Willy when we played baseball together. He had the biggest heart of any of the other players, and we grew to be close friends in my teenage years. From football to computer games he was competitive, and gave nothing less than 100%. Today his sister's daughter and my niece are best friends and share alot in common, as I and William used to. I feel very proud to have been friends with Willy and to have had him as friend and apart of my teenage life. Thank you so much for serving this country and protecting the freedoms that my family and I enjoy each day. You will be surely missed but never forgotten. May God comfort your family through difficult time.
Combat Controllers
William Jefferson, American hero and protector.
He was a Combat Controller (CCT), one of the most elite special tactics warriors in the United States military. They are the very best of the best in the Air Force. There are fewer than 300 of them on active duty. Many US airmen would like to be a CCT. Less than .001 ever make it to earn the red beret.
CCTs' training, courage, endurance, strength, versatility, dedication and discipline are equal to the Navy SEALs. CCTs have been involved in virtually every special ops missions since 1980.
If you haven't heard of Combat Controllers before, please google them. Try "720th Special Tactics Group". You will be amazed.
William Jefferson - American hero. I am contributing another $100 to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation,
www.specialops.org. Check them out. It's what William would want for his children.
A Grateful American.
another fallen hero
My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of this fallen local airman. I respect all those americans who go to work everyday over in the middle east so that I may have the freedom and luxaries here in the states. Even though I do not personally know someone overseas I pray everyday that as many come home safely to see their families. God watches over all of them and I know God has a place for this awesome hero in his kingdom. My prayers are with you. God Bless!
Honor & Respect - True American Hero
The Patriot Guard Riders are readyto honor and show our sincere respect(s) to TSgt William H. Jefferson.
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/823753/view/topic/Default.aspx
With Sincere Respect,
W. Wagner
Patriot Guard Riders - Hampton Rds (Dist 5)
God Bless.
God Bless you Airman.
Sgt Jefferson
Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er,
Dream of fighting fields no more:
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,
Morn of toll, nor night of waking.
- Sir Walter Scott, The Lady of the Lake
Another Hero
My sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Sgt. William Jefferson. He is a example of the many fine men and women who have given all they had to serve our country.
Proud in sadness.
William really was a good guy who was proud to serve, and was doing what be believed to be right. I grew up with Bubba, and was there from our first R rated movie, down to his bachelor party. I don't think it can be said any better than what Tammy already said. All of us that have had the luck to know William bear an unwavering sense of pride amidst our sadness.