William Morrison

A Legacy of Service and Dedication

William “Skip” Morrison’s sense of duty comes from his father, a Navy Hospital Corpsman in World War II. “My father instilled in me a love for our country and its military,” William says. His father’s service took the family to various naval stations along the East Coast. This experience inspired William to pursue a military career. After spending two summers in Annapolis, he decided to apply to the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated in June 1973.

A Distinguished Career in the U.S. Navy

William served as a Surface Warfare Officer for twenty-two years. He retired in 1995, having served in several key roles. His duties included working in the Engineering, Operations, and Weapons Departments. Additionally, he served as an Executive Officer. William also participated in two full deployments in the Pacific and two partial deployments to the Mediterranean. His shore tours included recruiting duty, a master’s degree in Systems Technology from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a position at the Pentagon with the Joint Staff. William retired as a Commander (O-5). His military honors included the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, and several unit awards.

Transitioning to Civilian Life

In his last two years in the Navy, William pursued a career change. He enrolled in the ODU Military Career Transition Program. There, he became a certified middle school math teacher. However, teaching positions in Virginia Beach were scarce, so William explored other opportunities. He began working with the Joint Training Analysis and Simulation Center in Suffolk. He assisted with military training exercises as a model operator. Soon after, William took a position with TRW, a defense contractor. In 2004, Northrop Grumman acquired TRW, but William continued his work in defense contracting. He traveled to England, Greece, Turkey, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea for training and humanitarian exercises. After nearly twenty-one years, William retired from defense contracting.

A Lifelong Commitment to Community Service

William’s dedication to service didn’t end with his military career. For over seventeen years, he and his wife have been active members of Galilee Episcopal Church. William served on the Outreach Committee for twelve years. Additionally, he joined the church’s prayer team, offering support during communion and at healing prayer services. William volunteers with the 3-day Welcome Home Initiative seminars, helping veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. He also supports the Combat Stress Recovery program, which he helped bring to the Norfolk American Legion Post.

Moreover, William and his wife mentored a young at-risk girl for six years. They also helped the girl’s mother during this time.

Honoring William Morrison: Hometown Hero

William Morrison’s service to his country, faith, and community is truly inspiring. Branch Partner Tanya Gills and Loan Officer Nina Killen from the Virginia Beach Branch proudly presented him with the Hometown Hero award.