Prior to the town board meeting on March 25, Supervisor Dan Panico and the Brookhaven Town Board in Farmingville, NY recognized Retired Army Major Paul Willms for his military service. Having grown up in Stony Brook and currently residing in Setauket, Major Willms was acknowledged for 22 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army.
During his career, Major Willms provided crucial medical care in various combat zones and had leadership roles in facilities including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, and Keller Army Community Hospital. His role in accrediting the only Department of Defense Urgent Care Center notably improved healthcare access for over 33,000 service members and resulted in annual savings of over $580,000 for the Defense Health Agency.
Major Willms participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (2004-2005) and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq (2006-2007). He was stationed at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he ascended to the rank of Sergeant First Class. In 2010, he entered the baccalaureate nursing program at Stony Brook University and completed it in 2012 as a registered nurse.
By October 2012, Major Willms was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army, serving as a Registered Nurse at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His promotion to Captain facilitated continued education in nursing while remaining on active duty. He led mass casualty responses and managed vaccination initiatives for 12,000 personnel, enhancing military medical readiness.
Major Willms' contributions have left a lasting impact on military medical readiness, reflecting his commitment and leadership within the U.S. Army and Department of Defense.