Tecumseh Graduate Killed in Afghanistan

NEW CARLISLE - A local soldier from Clark County, Wesley Williams, is being remembered after he was killed Monday in Afghanistan.  The 2005 Tecumseh High School grad was considered a standout in the school’s ROTC program.

“I was a shock, I didn’t know what to do” said Master Sergeant, Antonio Ruiz, ROTC Instructor.

For Master Sergeant, Antonio Ruiz, the past 24 hours has been almost as tough for him, as it is for the family of Wesley Williams, or ‘Wes’ as many called him. 

“This is the very first time that we’ve had an incident where one of our former students has been killed while on active duty” said Ruiz.

Ruiz has been teaching for 17 year.  He was Wes’ ROTC instructor during his four years at Tecumseh.  He says Wes stood out because of his happy and outgoing personality, who loved his country, and always wanted to lend a helping hand.

“He came and visited me about a month and a half ago, and I knew he had several tours over in Afghanistan, and he says I’m going back, and I asked him why, he says, that’s my job.  He was very patriotic, he really felt this is what he needed to do” said Ruiz.

Bruce Carpenter was neighbors with Wes’ family for 50 years.  He says Wes and his wife was getting ready to have another child.  The shocking news has affected him and others in the tight knit community of Park Layne.

“Right in this general area, maybe this street and a couple more, it will have a definite bearing” said Bruce Carpenter, neighbor.

“We do so much here with the school and with the kids that we get real tight with them too, that’s probably why this is hitting me pretty hard” said Ruiz.

School officials are waiting to get input from Wesley William’s family, before planning any type of remembrance for their local fallen soldier.

Williams leaves behind a wife and a daughter.

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Photo: Wesley Williams and his wife march in Reserve Officer Training Corps at Tecumseh High School.