1SG Willis was born in Lubbock, Texas. He has dedicated 20 years of honorable service to the United States Army, progressing through both Troop Program Unit (TPU) and Active Guard Reserve (AGR) assignments. Throughout his distinguished career, he has excelled in leadership positions across Engineering, Sustainment and Cyber domains.
1SG Willis began his AGR career with the 300th Sustainment Brigade in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he was instrumental in standing up the newly formed unit, serving as the S6 Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge (NCOIC). His leadership directly contributed to the brigade's successful proof-of-principle operation integrating command and control elements between Fort Lee, Virginia, and Fort Hunter Liggett, California.
Following his tenure at the 300th Sustainment Brigade, 1SG Willis supported the 420th Engineering Company in Indiana, Pennsylvania, where he deployed with a route clearance unit. He served in a critical technical capacity, training personnel on truck electronics and tactical operations center (TOC) management while overseeing all network access for the Forward Operating Base.
Furthering his expertise in training and operations, 1SG Willis was assigned to the 451st Quartermaster Company in Cape Coral, Florida, where he contributed to standing up the unit from an initial strength of 30 personnel to over 200 Soldiers. His efforts in developing training frameworks and operational procedures significantly enhanced unit readiness.
1SG Willis continued his career as the Operations NCO for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, where he played a pivotal role in returning the ESC from mobilization, leading staff management initiatives, and mentoring junior Soldiers. He gained valuable division-level experience, serving as interim First Sergeant and overseeing key operational functions.
Transitioning into Cyber Operations, 1SG Willis reported to North Central Cyber Protection Center (NCCPC) as the Training NCO. His knowledge of Training and Operations proved invaluable in refining key mission processes and ensuring operational efficiency. He was the 2nd AGR Soldiers selected into the 17C military occupational specialty.
1SG Willis last position was serving as the Chief of Cyber Operations at the Army Reserve Cyber Protection Brigade (ARCPB), where he spearheaded improvements in cyber training, operational planning, and resource allocation. His contributions to refining processes such as pay submission, school allocations, budgeting, and readiness tracking have directly enhanced organizational efficiency.
1SG Willis holds a Master of Science degree in Cyber Security (2019) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology with a concentration in Network Management (2017), both from Excelsior College. His military education includes the Master Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, and Warrior Leader Course.
His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, and NATO Medal.
MSG Willis was selected to serve as First Sergeant at the Fort McCoy Noncommissioned Officer Academy beginning August 2025. He looks forward to bringing his leadership experience to the Academy and continuing his commitment to training and mentorship.