Dear Esteemed Members of the CWOA,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of the passing of one of our most respected and cherished members, CWO4 (Ret) William J. "Bill" Reetz. He passed away suddenly on June 10th, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate deeply within our community and the US Coast Guard for years to come.
Bill was an unwavering pillar of our association, a mentor to many, and a friend to all who knew him. Born on July 7th, 1945, in Toledo, Ohio, he enlisted in the Coast Guard in July of 1964 and dedicated 22 years of his life to serving our nation. He retired in August of 1986 after a distinguished career that spanned from Baltimore, MD, to Naples, Italy; from Seattle, WA, to Portsmouth, VA, and many places in between.
Bill's contributions to the Chief Warrant Officer Association (CWOA) were unparalleled. He joined our ranks in 1976 and remained an active and highly involved member. He held several leadership roles, including President and Treasurer of the Great Lakes Chapter, and President of the Suncoast Chapter. His invaluable efforts were recognized in April 2001 when he was selected as a Distinguished Member of the CWOA. Bill was a force for progress, always looking for ways to grow and improve our association. Whether drafting the 2000 Annual Meeting Synopsis letter, developing new membership strategies, or representing us at Coast Guard Day picnics and memorial events, Bill demonstrated exceptional dedication to our collective mission and values. However, Bill was more than a diligent professional and committed association member. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a friend to many, and a man who appreciated the simple pleasures of life, such as camping in his Motorhome with his wife, Carol.
Our hearts go out to his wife, Carol, his daughters, Pamela and Jenny, his grandchildren, Zoe and Zachary, and his sister, Debra, during this difficult time. We will remember Bill as a beacon of dedication, hard work, and compassion.
A private memorial service will be held in July, and Bill will later be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials in Bill's name be directed to the Chief Warrant Officer’s Association, make donations by clicking here.
While we mourn the loss of a respected colleague and friend, let us celebrate the exemplary life of service that CWO4 (Ret) Bill Reetz led. Let us honor his memory by carrying forward his legacy of unwavering commitment to the Coast Guard, our Association, and the values we stand for.
Fair winds and following seas, Bill. You will be deeply missed.
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