Tony Williams
Tony Williams, a military veteran, shares his life’s journey, which is deeply rooted in the military community. Born into a military family, with a father who served as a drill sergeant in the U.S. Army, Tony’s early years were shaped by the transient nature of military life. The constant moving from place to place left him without a true sense of home, but it instilled in him discipline and resilience. When his father retired and settled in a civilian area, Tony found himself struggling with the culture shock of civilian life. This led him to drop out of high school and enlist in the Army in 1979, seeking the familiarity and structure that the military provided.
Tony’s military career spanned 24 years, during which he transitioned from an enlisted soldier to a commissioned officer. His journey from high school dropout to officer was marked by determination. An incident during NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) school motivated him to pursue education after a lieutenant pointed out the difference between them was his degree. Tony took that to heart, applied for an ROTC scholarship, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Temple University. He returned to the Army as a Military Intelligence officer, rising through the ranks and serving with distinction until his retirement in 2007.
During his service, Tony met his wife, who also served in law enforcement in New Jersey. Their relationship played a pivotal role in shaping his post-military career. Inspired by his wife’s work in the softer side of public service, Tony pursued a master’s degree in counseling. This academic journey eventually led him to intern at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, where he observed that many counselors lacked military experience. This disconnect inspired Tony to create *Veterans Counseling Veterans* (VCV), a nonprofit dedicated to providing mental health support for veterans. He believed that veterans would feel more comfortable opening up to counselors who shared their military experience.
For over a decade, Tony has served as the founder and president of VCV, focusing on addressing veteran suicide and mental health issues, particularly through peer counseling. His passion for helping fellow veterans is driven by the understanding that trust is automatically established when veterans interact with each other. He sees this peer connection as essential in breaking down barriers that often prevent veterans from seeking help. Tony’s dedication to this cause was recently recognized when he was inducted into the 2023 Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
In addition to his work with VCV, Tony is actively involved with the American Legion, serving as the Veteran Rehabilitation (V&R) Chair for the Central Area, covering Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties. In this role, he helps veterans navigate their benefits while also focusing on the mental health and rehabilitation side of veteran care. He brings a balanced approach, addressing both the practical needs of veterans and their psychological well-being, particularly in terms of PTSD and family support.
Tony’s mission is not just to help veterans but also their families. He believes that a holistic approach, which includes family involvement, is key to addressing veteran issues. This philosophy is grounded in the belief that if a veteran’s family is supported, the veteran will also thrive. He often draws parallels to his own life, balancing his work with taking care of his family, ensuring that he doesn’t neglect his loved ones while serving the veteran community.
Looking to the future, Tony envisions expanding VCV on a national scale, with chapters across the country. He also aims to establish a succession plan to ensure that the organization continues to thrive beyond his leadership. In addition to his nonprofit work, Tony is committed to raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by elderly veterans. He is organizing a conference to address the mental health and healthcare needs of veterans over 65, who are often overlooked in favor of younger, post-9/11 veterans.
Tony’s life is one of service, both to his country and to the veteran community. From his time in the Army to his current role as an advocate for veterans, he remains focused on making a lasting impact, ensuring that veterans receive the support they need to thrive in civilian life.