At just 14 years old, William has already shown incredible passion for service, history, and honoring America’s missing heroes. As Project Recover’s youngest ambassador, he represents the next generation of voices dedicated to bringing our nation’s MIAs home.
We sat down with William to learn more about him, his interests, and what inspires him to serve.
What’s something fun you’ve been into lately?
“Some fun things I have been up to lately are a virtual reality combat flight simulator. I’ve also been learning to play golf, which I really like, and I’m hoping to take scuba lessons soon. I did an introduction to scuba in Mexico and loved it.”
If you could have any superpower to help Project Recover, what would it be?
“The ability to make an air pocket so I could move around underwater freely.”
Who’s someone you look up to, and why?
“Josh Gates is probably my biggest hero because he has driven my interest in archeology and adventure. I really like that he brings attention to things that are often forgotten.”
How did you first get interested in helping others?
“Both my mom and dad have done a lot of work helping others. My dad was in the military, a first responder, and a 9-1-1 dispatcher before his new job. My mom worked for the police and sheriffs departments and now works for my school.”
Can you tell us about a meaningful moment of helping someone?
“I helped my friend through a traumatic experience. It made me feel good to be there and help a friend by being there. I would do this for anyone who needed my help.”
How did you hear about Project Recover, and what made you want to join?
“I heard about Project Recover on the TV show Expedition Unknown. I wanted to join the mission because I believe in what Project Recover does and hope to become more involved in missions as I get older.”
Was there something specific about our mission that caught your attention?
“Helping families know what happened to lost loved ones. It gives them closure to know what happened and lets them know their family is not forgotten.”
Why do you think it’s important to bring missing heroes home?
“It is important because their families have not forgotten them. It’s important for the families to know what happened and that their loved ones are not forgotten.”
How do you explain Project Recover to your friends?
“I explain that Project Recover helps locate MIAs and bring them home so they are not forgotten and can be honored. It also helps the families know what happened.”
What does being a Project Recover Ambassador mean to you?
“It means that I am part of giving hope to families that may be wondering about their loved one that is MIA. It also means that I can share, promote, and help Project Recover.”
How does it feel knowing you’re part of this work?
“It makes me feel proud that I am helping families. I’m also proud that I can be an example to other kids my age.”
Have your friends shown interest after you shared about Project Recover?
“Some have shown interest. I’m working to get Project Recover’s education program into my school so they can see just how cool the work is.”
What’s your favorite part of being involved so far?
“I haven’t been involved very long, so I am still discovering all of the cool stuff about Project Recover. I think my favorite part is knowing that I can play a role in helping.”
Can you share a moment that felt really special?
“It was very special to me to even be considered to be an ambassador at my age. I hope that my generation will grow to appreciate and help Project Recover.”
What would you say to other kids who want to make a difference?
“Don’t be scared to try. Every little bit of help makes a difference.”
What advice would you give them to get started?
“Just do it. Find a mission that interests you and dive in.”
If you could design a t-shirt for Project Recover, what would it look like?
“It would have the Project Recover logo on the front and a silhouette panel of all US WWII aircraft on the back. I have a similar panel hanging in my room.” Order a limited edition “William Bomber T-shirt” here!
Where do you see yourself in the future?
“I hope to be a pilot, hopefully a Navy Aviator, but I’ll be happy as long as I’m flying. An alternative would be to be an archeologist. With either job, I want service to be part of my life—hopefully with Project Recover.”
William reminds us that service knows no age. With his passion, curiosity, and heart for helping others, he is already making an impact and inspiring those around him.
We’re proud to have him on our team.
Want to learn more about how to become a Project Recover Ambassador: Click here!
I cannot express how proud I am of this kid. Not only does he show a great passion about project recover, but that passion is contagious and we as a family want to help William spread the word. Great job, son.