Photo submitted to Times Observer U.S. Army Capt. Cody Williams

Each year, the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance recognizes excellence among missile defense operators with its Missile Defender of the Year awards.

U.S. Army Capt. Cody Williams, formerly of Warren, is this year’s Army Missile Defender of the Year.

MDAA advocates for the development and deployment of missile defense systems and recognizes those in the armed services who are doing the best work in their branches of service in missile defense areas, regardless of system.

Williams was born and raised in Warren. He is the son of Debbie and Leo Moses and the late Dennis Williams, who served in Vietnam. His grandfathers — Morton Williams (World War II) and George Hesch (Korean War) and brother Tobias Williams all served. Another brother, Capt. Jeremy M. Williams, is currently serving.

He enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 2007, serving as a financial management technician for two years.

He entered the ROTC program at Edinboro University and was commissioned in 2011.

Williams served as a platoon leader and battery executive officer with the 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment in Germany and a brigade battle captain with the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Fort Hood, Texas.

After graduating from the Air Defense Artillery Captain’s Career Course in 2017, he was assigned to the 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment as an Army Medical Department Direct Commissioning Course instructor.

He was deployed with the 7th ADA to Turkey in support of Operation Active Fence and to Al Udied Air Base, Qatar, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

“His awards and decorations include: the Army Commendation Medal (with two oak leaf clusters); the Army Achievement Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Global War on Terror Expeditionary and Service Medals; the Army Service Ribbon; and three Overseas Service Ribbons,” according to biographical information posted on the Army’s website. “He has also been awarded the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (silver).”