Suffolk Reporter

Prior to the March 25 Town Board Meeting, Supervisor Dan Panico, along with the Brookhaven Town Board, honored Retired Army Major Paul Willms. Major Willms, originally from Stony Brook and now residing in Setauket, was presented with a proclamation for 22 years of distinguished military service in the U.S. Army. His career has been marked by significant contributions to military healthcare and readiness. Major Willms provided vital medical care during multiple combat deployments and held leadership roles at prominent military medical centers, such as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, and Keller Army Community Hospital.

In his capacity as a leader in military healthcare, Major Willms was instrumental in accrediting the only Department of Defense Urgent Care Center, which improved care for over 33,000 service members and resulted in annual savings of more than $580,000 for the Defense Health Agency (DHA). As a Primary Care Case Manager at West Point, he mentored 18 physician assistant students, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Army medicine.

Major Willms' service includes deployments in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from 2004 to 2005 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq from 2006 to 2007. Following his deployment, he was stationed at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class before entering the baccalaureate nursing program at Stony Brook University. After graduating as a registered nurse in 2012, Major Willms was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army, serving as a Registered Nurse at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

During his tenure, Major Willms was promoted to Captain and continued his nursing education as a full-time soldier. His service included leading mass casualty responses and overseeing vaccination efforts for 12,000 personnel, contributing significantly to military medical readiness. Major Willms' dedication has made a lasting impact on military medical readiness, leaving an indelible mark on the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense.

In attendance at the ceremony were Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, Councilman Neil Manzella, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Shane Willms (son), Molly Willms (daughter), Supervisor Dan Panico, Retired Army Major Paul Willms, Jennifer Willms (wife), Caden Willms (son), Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig, Councilman Michael Loguercio, and Councilman Neil Foley.