Delaware National
Guard
Willey takes command of
Co. B, 280thBy Spc. Lashawn Moore, Company B 280th Signal Battalion, Unit Public Affairs.
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Capt. Steven Willey addresses Company B during the August drill weekend. Photo by Spc. Lashawn Moore. |
During the August drill weekend, Capt. Steven Willey assumed command of the Company B 280th Signal Battalion in a ceremony at the Bethany Beach Training Site. Willey began his military career in college when he decided to try ROTC "just for fun". The program grew on him and the following fall, Willey signed on the dotted line and put up his right hand, joining the Delaware Army National Guard.
After finishing high school in Smyrna in 1992, Willey went to the University of Delaware and received his commission from ROTC in 1996 from the University of Delaware. While at the University of Delaware, he participated in the cadet Ranger program, Ranger Challenge, Pershing Rifles, and Scabbard and Blade Military Honor Society. Willey was the Commander of Perishing Rifles and President of Scabbard and Blade.
During his sophomore year, Willey went to ROTC basic course at Ft. Knox, Kentucky for 6 weeks and was awarded a scholarship. After his junior year, Willey went to advance camp at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina for 6 weeks. Willey also went to Ft.Sill, Oklahoma, with an aviation unit for 3 weeks for Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT). Soon after completing CTLT, he actually joined B Company 280th as a Second Lieutenant. Willey has served as Cable, Extension Node, and Area Node Platoon Leader as Second and First Lieutenants. Willey was promoted to Captain, and briefly was the Battalion S-2. Within a few months was transferred to be the Battalion S-1, after which, he finished a rotation as Maintenance Officer (BMO.) He now has taken over command of the B Company 280th Signal Battalion. Willey said that he joined the Delaware National Guard because he liked the idea of serving in the military and being a part of the community. Willey also feels The National Guard gives us a chance to give something back to the community and prepare for Federal requirements. Willey earned a Bachelors of Arts in Biology in 1996. After realizing that biology was not what he wanted to pursue, Willey went to the Computer Learning Center. Willey holds certifications as a MSCE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) and a MSCE+ Internet.
Willey currently works full time for ITG Pathfinders in Newark, DE.