We are thrilled to welcome Will aboard and are excited for him to continue the initiative’s work to support our Nation’s service members, veterans, and their families. Will succeeds Air Force Colonel Nicole Malachowski, who has returned to duty in the Pentagon after leading Joining Forces through a successful 5th anniversary year.

Will is an Army Field Artillery Officer, and during his 23 years of service has completed a series of strategic and operational assignments, supporting operations in the Middle East, South West Asia, and Central Asia. He has three combat deployments; two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan where he served as a Battalion Commander. 

Will has also served as an Army Congressional Fellow and as Deputy to the Army’s House Liaison Division, providing military-related assistance to all Members of the House of Representatives. Prior to his current position he also served as the North East United States and European Director on the Army Chief of Staff’s Soldier for Life Program. In that role he helped to connect Transitioning Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families to employment, educational, and healthcare opportunities through partnerships with federal, local, and state agencies, non-profits, Veteran and Military Service Organizations, and the private sector.

Will holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Richmond, VA., where he was commissioned through  the school’s ROTC program in 1993. He also earned Masters Degrees in: Criminal Justice from Armstrong University, Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University, and National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School at National Defense University. Some of his awards and qualifications include the Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), the Meritorious Service Medal (6th award), the Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Action Badge, the Airborne and Air Assault Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

Will and his wife Jessy live in Virginia with their 9 year old son, Davis.

Watch as Dr. Biden cheers on these amazing athletes:

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This trip is part of Dr. Biden’s ongoing efforts through the Joining Forces initiative to raise awareness and show appreciation for veterans, service members, and their families.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Biden said, "this barbecue is not just a way to celebrate your achievements in making the U.S. Team, it is also a small way of saying thank you—to our heroes—thank you for your service and your sacrifice."

Watch the video:

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As part of Dr. Biden’s ongoing efforts through the Joining Forces initiative to raise awareness and show appreciation for veterans, service members and their families, Dr. Biden is traveling to London today to cheer on the U.S. team and show her unwavering gratitude to the courageous men and women who stepped up to serve, and now compete.

"I am so proud to be going to London to cheer on all of you when you represent the United States in the Invictus Games.  And I have no doubt that your drive, your resilience, and your strength will lead the U.S. team to victory," Dr. Biden said. "Not only do you inspire countless other recovering warriors, you inspire me…you inspire all Americans."

For updates from Dr. Biden at the Invictus Games in London, follow @DrBiden on Twitter.

Dr. Biden had the opportunity to visit health clinics and a hospital for survivors of gender-based violence, speak at local schools to encourage the next generation to pursue their dreams, meet with women entrepreneurs who are spurring economic growth, and hear from women political leaders about their work to break barriers so more women can become voices of change in their communities.

Check out this video of highlights from Dr. Biden’s recent trip to Africa:

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The areas Dr. Biden focused on during her trip will be on display this week when the largest gathering of African heads of state and government come together in Washington, D.C. for the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. The Summit will highlight ways to strengthen U.S.-African partnerships and enable greater opportunities and growth between our country and Africa moving forward.

Click here to learn more about the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.