Brig. Gen. William Webb - USAF (Retired) - Tallahassee, FL
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I am constantly in awe of the numbers of Veterans that he touches on a daily basis and feel that my influence pales in comparison to his selfless advocacy for aging Veterans in the community and this is my daily work. I personally helped him carry LtGen Lawrence Snowden to his last interview and watched with amazement how he handled this great warrior with all the dignity that one could ever hope for. He is “there” for every Veteran on their last days and then for the families after they depart. He walks the walk, without expectation of any recognition for himself. He will be shocked to be called that he was even submitted for this honor. It took great effort to secure his information from his wife for all of us who admire him to ensure that he is thanked for his heart and his passion. I’ve personally tried to get his information for the past three years without success because of his modesty about his work for others.
He teaches, he leads by example and only when he is sure to impact many through his message, will he ever step in front of the camera. He is ALWAYS the go to guy to speak at every high school, every college, and every public Veterans event when the message is meant to be sincere and to revere those who have gone before us. |
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General Webb has been the greatest supporter of Aging Veterans Outreach for the State. His advocacy will impact the lives of thousands of Veterans to allow them to remain in their homes through their earned benefits. He’s sharp as a tack on all current events and is our encyclopedia of knowledge when dealing with how to best serve those in suicide prevention, opioids addiction, aging benefits, and daily health and welfare. I have personally observed this man in physical pain yet serving others in his words, “in greater need.” Service above Self is his mantra and it has served so many others to follow his lead.
Education and Training Accomplishments:
1957 Graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Master of Science Degree in International Affairs, George Washington University. National War College Graduate. U.S. State Department Foreign Service Institute School of Chinese Language.
Professional or Employment History:
General Webb served 29 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Brigadier General in 1986. In his final assignment he was Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Allied Command Europe Headquarters from 1984-86, and responsible for U.S. Intelligence support to the NATO Alliance. In his military capacity he currently represents West Point Director of Admissions in the Congressional District.
General Webb’s career includes more than 20 years of permanent residence external to the United States, to include Ethiopia, Belgium, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and 15 years in China. As an Asian specialist he directly participated in developing the U.S. China relationship from 1974-1979. As Senior Defense Representative in Beijing, China from 1979 to 1982, he was the interface between the U.S. Department of Defense and China’s military forces.
General Webb is a Command Pilot with excess of 3,000 flying hours in a wide variety of operational aircraft. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He holds a Master of Science Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. He is a graduate of the National War College and the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service Institute School of Chinese Language and Area Studies and its Senior Interdepartmental Seminar. He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. General Webb served as President of United Technologies-China (1986-1992).
Advocacy on Behalf of Veterans:
General Webb’s staunch support of the Military Officers Association of America, Tallahassee Chapter has carried this organization to new levels of membership and influence in legislative actions that were crucial to the benefits and support of Veterans. He inspired a resurgence in activity to ensure that all local military officer Veterans had a voice in governmental issues. General Webb has been the face of Veteran Advocacy on television and in the newspapers due to his incredible knowledge of issues and his ability to educate the general population on getting involved.
He advocates for the aging Veterans and surviving Spouses through his personal actions in finding and visiting those in need. General Webb became a leading member-at-large for the Florida Veterans Foundation, exceeding all predecessors in leadership and action by example propelling the Foundation into a whole new level of performance and accountability. He is looked to for his creativity and solution-based initiatives to aid in meeting Veterans’ need.
General Webb’s several decades of service have touched generations of warriors and their descendants as he pays personal tribute to those that have passed. I have personally witnessed the goodness of this leader as he seeks out all to recognize those who have served in uniform and those surviving families who need comfort. He is always at the ready to wear his uniform with pride to show that he recognizes the value of service by others.
General Webb served in leadership roles within the Air Force Association, building the rolls of members and facilitating worthwhile work within the community. As President, he was a strong advocate for our mission both nationally and at local activities in concert with working with AFROTC and CAP cadets in strengthening their roles as future leaders for the society and in our nations defense as a member of the armed forces.
Civic Activities and Contributions:
General Webb’s leadership as Director of International Service for the Rotary Club of Tallahassee (2007-2009) continues to inspire many to give service above self. He led the effort in keeping with World Water Day and Rotary International’s theme — Make Dreams Real — through collaboration with the Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende Midday to launch “The Los Torres Water Collection Project” in Mexico. He was instrumental in implementing individual self-sustaining rainwater collection systems in two villages of 434 residents, ensuring the provision of safe drinking water to every household. Water in the area was highly contaminated with fluoride and coliform. “Accumulation of fluoride in the human body presents an especially high risk to children.”
In keeping with the Rotary International objectives for international projects, Gen Webb was instrumental in coordinating the First Bi-National Conference on
Diabetes (2008), a partnership between the Rotary Club of Tallahassee and other Rotary Clubs of San Miguel de Allende with the participation of rotarians including Dr. Larry Deeb, past President of the American Diabetes Association. This Conference led to a donation of a Retinopathy Camera which has helped to prevent blindness due to diabetes. General Webb’s great work goes beyond the boundaries of the United States, providing a show of good ambassadorship to the world.
The Economic Club of Florida has been another organization that has benefited from Gen Webb’s leadership and involvement since he joined the Club in 1994. He was a member of the Board of Directors and was later elected Vice President (2006), President-Elect (2007) and President in 2008. In these positions of leadership, he provided considerable momentum to the objectives of the Economic Club and was able to draw the very best, not only out of the Board of Directors, but also members throughout the Club. During this period, the Club enjoyed an excellent array of program speakers bringing highly informative information on economics and business. As a General officer, his leadership qualities benefited the Club substantially throughout his tenure.
Awards or Honors:
Contributions to the State of Florida:
A few of General Webb’s community service;
Education and Training Accomplishments:
1957 Graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Master of Science Degree in International Affairs, George Washington University. National War College Graduate. U.S. State Department Foreign Service Institute School of Chinese Language.
Professional or Employment History:
General Webb served 29 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Brigadier General in 1986. In his final assignment he was Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Allied Command Europe Headquarters from 1984-86, and responsible for U.S. Intelligence support to the NATO Alliance. In his military capacity he currently represents West Point Director of Admissions in the Congressional District.
General Webb’s career includes more than 20 years of permanent residence external to the United States, to include Ethiopia, Belgium, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and 15 years in China. As an Asian specialist he directly participated in developing the U.S. China relationship from 1974-1979. As Senior Defense Representative in Beijing, China from 1979 to 1982, he was the interface between the U.S. Department of Defense and China’s military forces.
General Webb is a Command Pilot with excess of 3,000 flying hours in a wide variety of operational aircraft. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He holds a Master of Science Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. He is a graduate of the National War College and the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service Institute School of Chinese Language and Area Studies and its Senior Interdepartmental Seminar. He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. General Webb served as President of United Technologies-China (1986-1992).
Advocacy on Behalf of Veterans:
General Webb’s staunch support of the Military Officers Association of America, Tallahassee Chapter has carried this organization to new levels of membership and influence in legislative actions that were crucial to the benefits and support of Veterans. He inspired a resurgence in activity to ensure that all local military officer Veterans had a voice in governmental issues. General Webb has been the face of Veteran Advocacy on television and in the newspapers due to his incredible knowledge of issues and his ability to educate the general population on getting involved.
He advocates for the aging Veterans and surviving Spouses through his personal actions in finding and visiting those in need. General Webb became a leading member-at-large for the Florida Veterans Foundation, exceeding all predecessors in leadership and action by example propelling the Foundation into a whole new level of performance and accountability. He is looked to for his creativity and solution-based initiatives to aid in meeting Veterans’ need.
General Webb’s several decades of service have touched generations of warriors and their descendants as he pays personal tribute to those that have passed. I have personally witnessed the goodness of this leader as he seeks out all to recognize those who have served in uniform and those surviving families who need comfort. He is always at the ready to wear his uniform with pride to show that he recognizes the value of service by others.
General Webb served in leadership roles within the Air Force Association, building the rolls of members and facilitating worthwhile work within the community. As President, he was a strong advocate for our mission both nationally and at local activities in concert with working with AFROTC and CAP cadets in strengthening their roles as future leaders for the society and in our nations defense as a member of the armed forces.
Civic Activities and Contributions:
General Webb’s leadership as Director of International Service for the Rotary Club of Tallahassee (2007-2009) continues to inspire many to give service above self. He led the effort in keeping with World Water Day and Rotary International’s theme — Make Dreams Real — through collaboration with the Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende Midday to launch “The Los Torres Water Collection Project” in Mexico. He was instrumental in implementing individual self-sustaining rainwater collection systems in two villages of 434 residents, ensuring the provision of safe drinking water to every household. Water in the area was highly contaminated with fluoride and coliform. “Accumulation of fluoride in the human body presents an especially high risk to children.”
In keeping with the Rotary International objectives for international projects, Gen Webb was instrumental in coordinating the First Bi-National Conference on
Diabetes (2008), a partnership between the Rotary Club of Tallahassee and other Rotary Clubs of San Miguel de Allende with the participation of rotarians including Dr. Larry Deeb, past President of the American Diabetes Association. This Conference led to a donation of a Retinopathy Camera which has helped to prevent blindness due to diabetes. General Webb’s great work goes beyond the boundaries of the United States, providing a show of good ambassadorship to the world.
The Economic Club of Florida has been another organization that has benefited from Gen Webb’s leadership and involvement since he joined the Club in 1994. He was a member of the Board of Directors and was later elected Vice President (2006), President-Elect (2007) and President in 2008. In these positions of leadership, he provided considerable momentum to the objectives of the Economic Club and was able to draw the very best, not only out of the Board of Directors, but also members throughout the Club. During this period, the Club enjoyed an excellent array of program speakers bringing highly informative information on economics and business. As a General officer, his leadership qualities benefited the Club substantially throughout his tenure.
Awards or Honors:
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal
- Defense Superior Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters Bronze Star Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Medal with oak leaf cluster
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf cluster Combat Readiness Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal with five bronze service stars
- RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm
- RVN Armed Forces Flonor Medal First Class (Vietnamese Medal of Honor) Republic of Vietnam Air Service Medal (Vietnamese Air Medal)
- Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
- Defense Intelligence Agency Military Attaches Hall of Fame
- Rotary Club of Tallahassee Service Above Self Award, June 2008
Contributions to the State of Florida:
- William Webb legacy of service to the military and community exceeds 60 years distinguished public service to the Nation, and the State of Florida.
- A civic leader and organization volunteer of Leon for more than 27 years, he’s been entrusted with the lives and welfare of thousands of men and women that served this great state and nation. General Webb’s selfless, lifetime dedication to our state and nation are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, deserving of this most prestigious recognition.
- Brig Gen Bill Webb has been exceptionally helpful to four members of Congress representing Florida District 2 in the United States Military Academy’s nomination process. He is the leader in finding, grooming, and articulating countless numbers of candidates and graduates into West Point, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy.
- His early and timely mentorship to congressional staff of newly elected Members of Congress has been invaluable in establishing effective academy orientation programs and nomination processes, better serving the young men and women who seek to attend a military academy and serve their nation.
- Congressman Allen Boyd, Congressman Steve Southerland, Congresswoman Gwen Graham, and Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D., have each entrusted him with the responsibility of serving as Panel Chairman for the US Military Academy at West Point and US Air Force Academy nomination panels.
- His leadership and guidance to fellow panel members resulted in outstanding nomination recommendations to these congressional members, and have yielded a far greater number of successful appointments for student applicants from Florida District 2 than is normally expected for any Congressional District.
- As the stalwart leader for the West Point Society General Webb has been the most instrumental figure in providing leadership to the mentors and tutoring candidates and their families through the processes of application, school, and eventual service in the field culminating into the most valued academy field force that is personally responsible for leading. Of particular note is his hosting of families of candidates to make the transition seamless. Exceptionally involved with and engaged in the US Service Academy Parents Club (USSAPC; a sister organization of WPST).
- General Webb is a man that everyone in the community looks to for the way he represents himself as an officer of significant rank and his ability to make people proud that “their tax dollars were being well spent” with the members of the military services.
A few of General Webb’s community service;
- Served as International Service Director, Rotary Club of Tallahassee and received Rotary’s “Service Above Self’ award, 2008
- Served as President of The Economic Club of Florida
- Founding member and Director of the West Point Society of Tallahassee
- General Webb is an Admissions Representative for West Point, assisting students who aspire to admission to the Academy.
- Active West Point Field Force (Admissions) representative (15+ years)
- Identifies and mentors highly qualified young men and women for possible selection to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point WPST liaison to local high schools - regularly meeting with principals and guidance counselors
- Attends school award assemblies (featured speaker, awards presenter, represents WPST)
- Featured speaker at local civic events, often representing West Point Selfless volunteer - visits sick and dying members from all services Sponsored the furnishings for a room at Big Bend Hospice House to honor those at end of life.
- Guest Speaker at the Big Bend Hospice Veterans Memorial Dedication Established “The Brigadier General & Mrs. William B. Webb Scholarship” at Tallahassee Community College to benefit members of our military and their dependents
- Established “The Montserrat Campos Fong Endowed Scholarship in Voice” at Florida State University’s College of Music
- Guest lecturer at Executive Management Program, FSU College of Business (1996-1999)
- Served as President of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (North Florida Chapter)
- Represents WPST at member and local resident funerals
- Founding member of the WPST Shooters Group - interested in good, safe marksmanship and firearms training and coordinates and schedules events for the WPST Shooters Group
- In that General William Webb has served with distinction for over six decades in the service of his country and community. Through unparalleled, hard work he has spirited action through his leadership and inspiration in the service of others. General Webb’s significant contribution to the many lives of young warriors and the prominent lives they will lead in the future is without peer. He is personally responsible for the successes that many U.S., State Legislators, Veteran and Community organizations enjoy. General Webb is looked to as the creator of programs; the sustainer of success. Without question, this passionate patriot exudes all of those admirable attributes that have brought honor and comfort to the countless Veterans and families, and are in keeping within the highest traditions of the Veteran-friendly state of Florida.
- Throughout my many successful nominations and selections for the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Nominations I can honestly say that Brigadier General William Webb sets the bar high in what the nomination committee should be looking for in a representative of the best of the best in Florida Veteran Hall of Fame ambassadors. General Webb is one of those who remains in the background to glory but his incredible influence is prominently evident in those he leads by his inspirational charge. He is looked to by legislators for his seasoned wisdom relating to Veterans issues. As the President of the Florida Veterans Foundation consistently look to this leader for his counsel and direction for how we serve the most, which upon further thought I can see where he is one of the most instrumental influences walking us to become the most veteran-friendly state.