You could say the Army is in his genes, but you’ve got to give credit where credit is due.

Sgt. Ocie Williams Jr. of Clanton was named NCO of the Quarter at Fort Lewis in Washington state.

Williams, 23, a medic at Madigan Army Medical Center, received the award based on his performance in many areas including land navigation, Army Warrior Tasks, an oral exam, physical fitness and weapons qualification. He also penned an essay about the Army’s values.

The designation stands for Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter and basically means Williams is the top soldier in his post. He received a well-earned plaque and a ribbon for his accomplishment.

“It is a challenge; that’s for sure,” he said in the Oct. 16 edition of the Fort Lewis Ranger, a local publication. “It is also a great honor.”

And his father, Ocie Williams Sr., couldn’t be more proud.

“It took me 10 [years] to accomplish that,” he said. “He has shown great leadership since leaving this community, and he continues to serve in the greatest Army in the world.”

Williams’ father is the commander of American Legion Post 343 and president of Concerned Citizens of Chilton County. His mother and a brother also served in the Army.

Williams, the youngest of eight children, has served in Iraq twice. He is a medical appointment clerk who works in a hospital setting and sees that soldiers get to their appointments.

“I’m thankful to the citizens of Clanton who have helped instill good principles in this young man,” his father added.

– Scott Mims can be reached at scott.mims @clantonadvertiser.com