FORT PAYNE, Ala. – PFC Destini Williams is currently serving in the United States Army and is stationed with the 20th Group SF Fort Payne, Alabama 92 yankee/airborne. Williams is from Cullman and a 2019 graduate of Wallace State Community College. She joined the Army September 29, 2020.
Williams is the daughter of Brandy Weissand and Buck Williams and has five siblings: Michael Gray, Brandon Gray, Dustin Williams, Courtni Williams and Ryley Williams, and sisters-in-law: Kandice Gray, Brittni Gray and Brandi Gray.
Williams is also mother to Britlee Dawsyn Williams and Rylan Reid Williams
Williams said of her decision to serve in the military, “I chose the military for many reasons. I wanted to serve my country and honor the uniform. I wanted to learn what it means to be brave. I wanted to be the difference–be a part of the 1% who serves in the best military in the world. I wanted to show women everywhere that no matter where you came from, what you’ve done, or who you were, you can always become something better.”
She continued, “I want to become leadership that is trustworthy, caring and powerful. When I have my own soldiers, I can become the mentor I’ve always wanted and needed.”
Two major factors led Williams to join the military. She explained, “I lost my sister-in-law when I was 15 from suicide. She was my best friend. She always believed in me; she was my rock. I still wanted to make her proud and I knew she would watch me and support me from heaven. My last-but-not-least reason is my children. I want to show them that even as a single mother who built her life up by herself, I could still be a hero for them. I needed to learn how to teach my son how to be a man. I needed to show my daughter that women can be powerful and strong. I prayed on my decision and God led me to the best choice I have ever made. I give all glory to Him.”
Williams missed many things about Cullman and being at home. She said, “I missed all the little things. My children and family mostly. I missed kissing my children goodnight. Just the ability to get in my car and get food and drive around with the windows down. I miss wearing civilian clothes and being myself, but I didn’t miss being a civilian in itself. I love the person I have become. The Army changed me in the best way.”
There are many positives, along with some sad moments, Williams has experienced from joining the Army, sharing, “The Army is a huge family. I met so many friends who became family. I learned that no matter how hard it is, I’m fighting for something much bigger than myself. Hearing my children say, ‘My mommy is a soldier’ gives me the biggest smile. The hardest thing I have dealt with in the military is seeing my battles moving on to their next chapter and saying goodbye. I can’t wait to see where the military takes us all. Most importantly, I will forever remember my battles whose journey came to a sad end. I will forever remember the times we spent laughing in the field after a week with no shower and MRE’s while running missions at 0245 a.m. with our PC turned backwards and jumping through mud puddles. I will forever remember everything I have worked so hard to be and when it came true. I look forward to all the memories to be made and all the stories waiting to be written. I am so thankful to my family who supported me, and I love you all. And to my battles, HOOAH!!”
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