William J. McCotter
Nickname(s): "Billy" or "Will McCotter", “Cooter”
Military Branch: Army; Rank: W01
Summary:
As a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, he deployed to Iraq on a nine-month tour in 2003
2004 - deployed again for 3 months in Afghanistan
2005 - transferred to the Old Guard and served as a squad leader in Alpha Company
After four years with the Old Guard, he transferred to Fort Rucker, Ala., was promoted to warrant officer and entered flight school
Sept. 2, 2010 - he graduated as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot
Life Achievements/ Recognitions:
Attended Needham Elementary, Miller Middle School and Durango High School, graduating in 2003.
He worked for Mama's Boy Restaurant, Walmart and Servicemaster Cleaning while growing up in Durango.
Received a Purple Heart for a combat wound.
Received a Meritorious Service Medal.
Fellow soldiers looked up to him and would ask “WWWD” What would Will Do?