William J. Walker Named D.C. National Guard Land Component Commander

Colonel William J. Walker assumed command of the District of Columbia National Guard Land Component Command from Brig. Gen. Arthur Hinaman, during a change of command ceremony presided over by Maj. Gen. Errol Schwartz, Commanding General, District of Columbia Army National Guard, on Saturday, April 25, at the District of Columbia Armory.

COL Walker was nominated by President Barack Obama last Nov., and Congress confirmed the nomination in Dec. Walker’s promotion to Brigadier General is pending.

He is the vice chairman of the Board of Directors of the Young Marines, a national youth organization.

“COL Walker is a gifted leader, a genuine people person and a superb choice for this assignment,” said Mike Kessler, national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines.” COL Walker’s expertise has been exceptionally beneficial to our organization. His vast experience as deputy assistant administrator and special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is very much in sync with the Young Marines’ focus on youth drug demand reduction.”

In his new role as commander, COL Walker is responsible for the overall readiness, training, maintenance and operational employment of nearly 1,500 soldiers assigned or attached to Army units of the District of Columbia National Guard.

He served in two federal mobilizations as a National Guard Officer, the first as an DEA Operations Officer serving at the Pentagon immediately following the 911 terrorist attacks and the second in 2011 as an DEA Army Strategist serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the NATO International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF).

He received a bachelor of arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago and a master of science degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Chicago State University. In addition, he holds a master of science degree in Strategic Intelligence from the National Defense Intelligence College and a master of arts degree in International Service from American University.

He completed the national and international security program for senior executives at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, the national security studies program at George Washington University and the homeland defense and security program at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

“William Walker’s selection to Brigadier General and assumption of command signals the special trust and confidence in him by the entire chain of command including the President of the United States,” said William L. Smith, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Young Marines. “He brings to the Young Marines the same focus and dedication to leadership required for this new assignment. We could not be more proud.”

COL Walker is married, is active in several community organizations and law enforcement groups, and is a life member of the Alpha Phi Alpha public service fraternity.

The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501c(3) youth education and service program for boys and girls, age eight through the completion of high school. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork and self-discipline so its members can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Since the Young Marines’ humble beginnings in 1959 with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to over 300 units with 11,000 youth and 3,000 adult volunteers in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Thailand, Germany, Japan and affiliates in a host of other countries.

For more information, visit the official website at http://www.youngmarines.com/.