Operations director is former student, instructor Published Aug. 4, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Moore 81st Training Wing public affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 334th Training Squadron has a new director of operations, but this isn't his first time at Keesler. Maj. Daniel Williams first arrived at Keesler 21 years ago as an enlisted Airman. "I decided to enlist in the Air Force for the educational benefits," he said. "I did not come from a military family so I had no clue about serving in the military. However, after joining, I realized this was something bigger than just gaining educational benefits, this was an organization that stood for something and I wanted to be a part of it." When the major first joined, he didn't have a career path in mind. He said, "I actually came in 'open general.' The recruiter asked me if I wanted to try air traffic control and I said, 'Sure, why not?' I attended technical training here at Keesler in November 1988 and had no clue about the career. "After starting class, I was convinced this was the hardest thing I had ever tried -- the academic workload and next-day performance of that material was overwhelming," Major Williams said. "At first I did not think I would successfully complete the course. Fortunately, one day the light bulb came on and all the pieces fell into place." Major Williams successfully completed ATC training and moved on to his first assignment. "My first duty location was Barksdale Air Force Base, La. where I was a tower controller for seven years," he said. "There I found balancing a career and a life at such a young age was a huge responsibility. Out in the field, I was working continually rotating shifts, so going to school was difficult. In order to complete my degree, I decided in 1996 to come back to Keesler where I could work a steady shift as an air traffic control instructor." Once he earned his degree in 1999, he applied for commissioning through Officer Training School and was accepted. He completed OTS and was commissioned in 2000. Since his commission, Major Williams served in airfield operations positions at both the base and wing level. He also served in joint-service and combined-nation roles and supported several contingency operations to include a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Major Williams took advantage of a recent career opportunity. "A great opportunity became available -- director of operations here at the 334th TRS," he said. "The timing was excellent and I thought this move would be a great one, giving me a chance to return once again to the place where it all started." Major Williams said he continues to set goals and has another one in which Keesler plays a part. "I would love to return as commander of the 334th TRS," he said. "I feel that would be the pinnacle of my professional career and I would hope to be a positive influence on young Airmen starting their future in the United States Air Force." "Getting placed in the ATC career field was the best thing that could have happened for me in the beginning of my Air Force career, and I truly enjoy the challenges it still brings," he added.