By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Omar Rubi, U.S. Navy
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — For U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jevon O.A. Williams, protecting the force is more than a deployed responsibility. After nearly two decades of military service, it has become the foundation of a career built on leadership, security and taking care of people.
A military police noncommissioned officer (NCO) with the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, Williams is currently deployed to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he serves as the Protection noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) for Joint Task Force-Southern Guard's (JTF-SG) J34 Protection section.
Williams, a native of Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, enlisted in September 2006 with a desire to contribute to something larger than himself.
"I decided to serve my country because I wanted to be part of something larger than myself while building a career centered on service, responsibility and protecting others," Williams said. "Military service provided me with an opportunity to contribute to the defense of our nation while representing the U.S. Virgin Islands."
Assigned to the 661st Military Police Detachment, Virgin Islands Army National Guard, Williams has spent nearly 20 years developing expertise in law enforcement, security and force protection.
At JTF-SG, Williams' responsibilities include military law enforcement, physical security, antiterrorism, operations security and protection planning. His work focuses on identifying vulnerabilities and assessing risks before they can threaten personnel or disrupt operations.
"My responsibility is ultimately to help ensure that personnel, facilities, information, and critical resources remain protected and that the organization is prepared to respond to emerging threats," Williams said.
As Protection NCOIC, Williams also coordinates security requirements and develops protective measures designed to provide commanders with the framework necessary to safely conduct operations.
His approach to that responsibility was shaped thousands of miles from Guantanamo Bay. "Growing up in St. Croix taught me the importance of community, perseverance, adaptability and treating people with respect," Williams said. "Coming from the U.S. Virgin Islands also taught me that where a person starts does not have to determine how far that person can go."
Those lessons have helped Williams work alongside personnel from diverse backgrounds while reinforcing a leadership philosophy centered on accomplishing the mission without losing sight of the people responsible for executing it.
"Leadership is ultimately about taking care of people while accomplishing the mission," Williams said.
Williams carries the same responsibilities into his civilian career. As the state physical security manager within the Virgin Islands National Guard's protection and security enterprise, he manages programs involving physical security, antiterrorism, force protection and operations security.
"My military and civilian careers complement one another because both require risk assessment, leadership, policy implementation, problem-solving, coordination and protection of personnel and critical resources," Williams said. "The experience gained in one role consistently strengthens my performance in the other."
Williams credits his ability to build trust for attracting opportunities that allowed him to grow as a leader.
"One of my proudest accomplishments is earning the trust of my superiors throughout my career to serve in leadership roles of greater responsibility in the fields of law enforcement, security, and force protection," Williams said.
For Williams, that trust carries an obligation to lead with integrity and accountability. "Serving my country means accepting responsibility for something greater than my individual interests," Williams said. "It also means maintaining integrity when no one is watching, treating people fairly, remaining accountable for my decisions, and setting the example expected of a noncommissioned officer."
Williams' dedication has not gone unnoticed by his superiors.
"Staff Sgt. Williams has demonstrated exceptional leadership by enforcing uncompromising security standards and maintaining constant mission readiness," said Capt. Edwin Esteras, protection chief for Joint Task Force – Southern Guard. "His proactive mentorship and steady presence have safeguarded our team while setting the benchmark for NCO excellence."
“Staff Sgt. Jevon O. Williams is an outstanding noncommissioned officer whose leadership, professionalism, and technical expertise have had a meaningful impact on our mission,” said Col. Daniel Ponzo, commander of Joint Task – Southern Guard. His dedication to service and commitment to protecting others reflects great credit on him, his family and the United States Army.”
As he approaches 20 years of service, Williams credits his wife, Ariel; daughter, Elizabeth Victoria; family; and mentors for supporting him through deployments, training and extended periods away from home.
"Their patience, encouragement, and sacrifices have allowed me to continue serving and pursuing both my personal and professional goals," Williams said.
That experience has also shaped his understanding of readiness. For a force protection professional, Williams said readiness begins long before a threat emerges.
"To me, mission readiness means having trained personnel, effective leadership, reliable equipment, sound procedures, and appropriate protective measures in place before they are needed," Williams said. "It also means understanding the threat, identifying vulnerabilities early, maintaining standards every day, and ensuring that Soldiers and leaders are prepared physically, mentally, professionally, and operationally to accomplish the mission."
After nearly two decades in uniform, Williams remains focused not simply on completing his own service, but on preparing those who will follow him.
"Regardless of the assignment or position, my objective remains the same," Williams said. "Protect the force, support the mission, develop those around me, and leave the organization better than I found it."