Pulaski Times

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recently highlighted the military service of Maddie Willyard as part of his 'Salute to Veterans' series, which honors the contributions of Arkansans in the armed forces.

Maddie Willyard, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to Chicago at age seven. Her family later relocated to a safer suburb during her high school years. Although she comes from a family with a military background, Willyard's decision to join the armed forces was somewhat unexpected. She recalled an incident in high school when she took the ASVAB test to avoid an upset teacher. "This voice came over the intercom – juniors and seniors are excused from classes to take the ASVAB. I didn’t know what the ASVAB was. I just knew it was like manna from heaven and off I went," she said.

After performing well on the exam, Willyard received interest from recruiters and decided to join the Air Force despite initial reservations about wearing green uniforms. She noted that her mother supported her decision while her stepfather disapproved due to gender norms regarding military service.

Willyard began basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio after graduating high school. Her uncles advised her on how to navigate training discreetly, but she soon found herself taking charge after confronting another airman about tardiness due to hair curling.

Following basic training, Willyard worked in medical administration at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas before being stationed at England Air Force Base in Louisiana after swapping assignments with a friend out of empathy for their disappointment.

In Louisiana, she honed skills in customer service while working with patient records and surrounded herself with mentors who supported her development. Reflecting on her time in uniform, Willyard emphasized its significance: "I tell them be prepared to sacrifice because it’s not about you. It’s about the mission...It’s not just a job; it’s a lifestyle."

Now residing in Northwest Arkansas, Willyard continues serving veterans through various roles including work at Washington County Veteran Service Office and Boozman's staff where she assists active-duty personnel and veterans alike.

Senator Boozman expressed gratitude for Willyard's dedication: “I’m grateful for Maddie Willyard’s service to our country in uniform and her continued support of her fellow veterans." He has submitted her interview for inclusion in the Veterans History Project by Library of Congress's American Folklife Center which aims to preserve veterans' oral histories.