Posted by J Lee Snow on December 9, 2002:

I was in F-1 with Willie but was one year behind him. Willie was as unique as he was special. Willie's influence was not limited to his classmates but spread to all those around him. Willie had a special command of the English language. Willie-isms were famous throughout F-1. Willie was a Brigade champion sprinter, undefeated boxer, and excellent basketball player. While on his own time, Willie kept mostly to himself. He was a private person, but was also a great friend. Willie's greatest talent was keeping his priorities straight, never losing his perspective, and being able to see through all the foolishness and emerge laughing and shaking his head. He helped us all through the same foolishness by keeping us all laughing. Neither summer school, nor area tours, nor knee surgery could keep Willie from laughing at it all. While the Gray Hogs were not always able to appreciate Willie's carefree approach to cadet life, he was a welcome diversion for the rest of us. Will Willie Childs ever be forgotten? In Willie's own words: 'Highly Not! Are you Mad?!' Many Thanks Willie, Godspeed.

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