On Veteran's Day and every day, San Jose Water is proud to honor and employ our military vets. On behalf of a grateful nation, we want to thank all those who served for their sacrifices.  

In honor of Veteran's Day, we'd like to feature San Jose Water's Assistant Corporate Secretary and Corporate Counsel Willie Brown. Today Willie plays a vital role supporting our Board of Directors and managing critical legal issues and contracts for the company but he started his career in the Air Force.  

Read on for a brief interview with Willie on his military service and what it has meant to him.

What rank did you reach during your time in the service? 

I reached the enlisted rank of E-4, Sergeant.  I was a Logistics Non-Commissioned Officer.

What years were you in the service?

I was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force from 1985 to 1989.

Why did you enter the service? 

I’m from a U.S. Navy family so am a “service brat.”  Multiple family members, including my father retired from the Navy and some in the next generation currently serve in the Navy!  I was born on Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA.  So, to be different, I enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school!  I also enlisted to gain job experience as there was not a lot of opportunity in the Central Valley for young people at the time and ultimately it allowed me to pay for college.  

Where were you stationed? 

I went to Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, TX and was stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan for my entire enlistment.  Absolutely loved living in Japan at 18 years old!

Favorite memory? 

My favorite memories were my trips to Seoul, Korea, an eleven day, multi-city trip to China, and a trip to the Philippines where I visited my mother’s side of the family for the first time.  Being stationed in relative proximity to these countries allowed me to travel to them.  

How did it prepare you for the work you do for San Jose Water? 

The Air Force allowed me to attend college.  Being from a military family, I can’t say it helped me build discipline, but it did help me learn to work with people of all backgrounds and all places as a team for our country!

Thank you for your service Willie, and on behalf of San Jose Water, thank you to all the men and women who have served our country!