South Tampa Chamber Military Honoree of the Month: TSgt. Terry Willis, Jr.

Honoree TSgt. Terry J. Willis, Jr. (right) after being presented
his awards with Col. David Pavey (left) and Healing Heroes
team  member, Denise Greno (middle).

Yesterday, Healing Heroes Team Member, Denise Greno, went to the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce's event to honor TSgt. Terry Willis, Jr. Willis was named South Tampa's Military Honoree of the Month for his outstanding service to his country and his community.


TSgt. Willis received a plaque from the Chamber of Commerce and also received gift certificates, a shirt and hat, and a letter of recognition from Healing Heroes Network.

Below is a biography written by the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce about TSgt. Terry Willis, Jr. and his commendable service that deserved to be recognized.

South Tampa Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Service Member of the Month – Sept 2011 – TSgt Terry J. Willis, Jr.



TSgt Terry J Willis, Jr. Aircraft Metals Technologist was born in Abbeville, LA, graduated from Marksville High School in central Louisiana.

He earned is Associates of Sciences Degree at the Aircraft Metals Technology Community College of the Air Force and is pursuing an Engineering Technology Degree with an emphasis in manufacturing at St Petersburg College and has maintained a 4.0 GPA.

TSgt Willis is scheduled to attend the National Aviation Academy Clearwater, FL, pursuing an FAA Airframe & Power Plant license.

TSgt Willis joined the US Navy in 1985 and trained as a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator at the Naval Training Center in Orlando, Florida

After serving in the Navy, he joined the New York City’s Emergency Medical Service as an Emergency Medical Technician at NYFD’s Station 72 serving Staten Island and Brooklyn.

TSgt Willis made the decision to re-enter the military and in 2003, joined the United States Air Force Reserves. He completed the Air Force Aircraft Metals Technology Course at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.

Assigned to 512th Airlift Wing at Dover AFB in Delaware, TSgt Willis supervised a team that designed and manufactured the transfer vehicle for the Charles C. Carlson Port Mortuary providing dignified transfer of fallen warriors for all of the Dept of Defense.

In 2009, TSgt Willis was assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing in the Metals Technology Element. He supervises the fabrication support for 52 tenant units; keeps NOAA, CENTCOM, SOCOM, US Coast Guard & US Marine Corp fully equipped and mission capable!

Community Service

Community Service is an important aspect of his life and he volunteers at Fisher House located at the VA Hospital here in Tampa.

Additionally, he tutored Intermediate Algebra, College Math and Statistics for students (both military & civilian) attending Hillsborough Community College at MacDill AFB.

TSgt Willis also tutored Math & Science for children who attend the Youth Center at MacDill and junior enlisted members in College Mathematics, Humanities and subjects required for CCAF graduation.

He is married to his lovely wife, Mary, have 4 children and lives in South Tampa. He and his family attend Christ the King Catholic Church and are members of the St Vincent de Paul Society. The organization helps operate a Thrift Store and a Food Pantry here in Tampa on Nebraska Ave.

TSgt Willis and his wife have “adopted” the intersection of Gandy Blvd & Dale Mabry in South Tampa where they distribute food and provide water throughout the summer for the homeless families.

For this and other achievements, the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce and its’ sponsor’s Memorial Hospital, Mama Razzi Photography, CDB’s Southside, Massage Envy, ViaMedia and Healing Heroes recognizes him as September’s Service Member of the Month.