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?