Standards! No Compromise

Lynn

PATH TO A CAREER in higher Standards! No Compromise!

BG (RET.) WILLIAM BILO PROVES HE’S A CUT ABOVE THE REST

Aggies all over the world are known for outstanding contributions in their career fields. Some of them pair distinguished military service with their professional achievements. A few, like retired Brigadier General William C. Bilo, have gone that extra mile worthy of special recognition.

Bilo, who graduated from Cameron in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in history, proved he’s a cut above the rest when his superior meritorious service earned him induction into the Officer Candidate School (OCS) Hall of Fame in May. The ceremony was held at Fort Benning, Ga., and culminated with a permanent feature of Bilo in the OCS Hall of Honor inside the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Ga.

During his induction, Bilo thanked the noncommissioned officers (NCOs) “that made him possible.” He continued, “From basic training and through six commands, I especially appreciate the understanding, patience, and encouragement of the first sergeant I live with at home and who has given me 55 years of support – my wife, Diane (A.A. in Business, 1966), who is also a Cameron graduate.”

The OCS Hall of Fame was created in 1958 to honor OCS graduates who have displayed superior valorous combat leadership, superior meritorious service, distinguished public service, superior public service or lifelong service.

Bilo’s military career started when he enlisted in the Army in 1964. He was commissioned as an artillery officer upon completion of OCS at Fort Sill on Dec. 17, 1965. His 33-year military career includes active-duty assignments as well as service in the Oklahoma, Virginia, and Maryland Army National Guards and in the Army Reserves. During his active-duty time, Bilo served as a Pershing instructor, platoon leader, executive officer, and held several commands. His overseas tours included Germany and two combat commands in Vietnam.

Recognition is nothing new to Bilo, who has been honored with numerous military and civilian awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2 awards), Bronze Star Medal w/V Device (2 awards), Bronze Star Medal (3 awards), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/V Device (3 awards), Army Commendation Medal (5 awards), Army Achievement Medal (2 awards), Good Conduct Medal, Selective Service Meritorious Service Medal, and many service, campaign, National Guard, Reserve and community service awards.

Bilo is also featured on the CU George D. Keathley Department of Military Science Wall of Fame and was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1993 by the Cameron University Alumni Association. In 1986, Bilo was inducted into the Fort Sill Artillery OCS Hall of Fame.

When asked which military achievement meant the most to him, Bilo replied, “The Good Conduct Medal I received as an enlisted soldier.” Bilo also stated, “My decision to attend OCS was influenced by one of my senior NCOs who had been a prisoner of war in Korea. He convinced me to do it.”

Bilo has also been very active in his community. He served on the board of directors for the Baltimore Association of Retarded Citizens and has received three mayoral citations in Baltimore for work in the local school system. He has volunteered numerous hours at a level-five education facility for special needs elementary students, worked as a volunteer at Sarah’s Hope (a shelter for homeless women and their children) and was selected to serve on the Governor of Maryland's Task Force to evaluate the state's support for military veterans.

After retiring from the military, Bilo operated a consulting firm, Rainbow Enterprises. He has been a member of several government task forces and advisory panels, especially those involved with veterans' benefits and veterans' memorials. Bilo was also active in several professional organizations, including serving as a vice president of the Field Artillery Association.

Even though Bilo was older than most of his classmates, his memories of Cameron include many traditional elements like attending all the sporting events – especially football games – and being employed as a student worker on campus.

“I enjoyed many great professors! Drs. James Norris, Charles Smith and Bob Quinten were especially exceptional and are my favorite thing about Cameron. Dr. Smith had seniors in his seminar class working in the library cataloging references as part of the accreditation certification process. We were extremely motivated to be a part of that,” reminisced Bilo.

Bilo has continued to stay connected to Cameron through his work with the Gladys “Slats” Patton Endowed Lectureship and said, “Promoting continuing education is what drives me as an alumnus to contribute to the CU community.”

This lectureship, established in 2005 to advance the quality of education in the study of Health and Physical Education with an emphasis on instruction in women’s athletics and coaching, was created to honor Bilo’s mother-in-law, Gladys “Slats” Patton.

This is not the first time Bilo’s name has been associated with awards acknowledging the contributions of others. The Field Artillery Association presents the William C. Bilo Support Forward Award to recognize a soldier in any component of the Army who best represents the qualities of leadership, teamwork, and caring for soldiers. The purpose is to perpetuate

Bilo’s exemplary service by recognizing the importance of the formative years of tomorrow’s artillery leaders.

OCS graduates live by the motto, “Standards! No Compromise!” Brigadier General William C. Bilo has certainly exemplified that dictum throughout his life in all he has accomplished in his military career, through his community service and with his dedication to Cameron University.

- Rhonda Young

COL (Ret.) Frank Harman, President & CEO of the United States Army Officer Candidate Schools Alumni Association, inductee BG (Ret.) William Bilo, Diane Bilo, and LTC David Holstead, Commandant, Federal Officer Candidate School, at the OCS Hall of Fame Induction ceremony at Fort Benning, Ga. on May 17. (Courtesy ocsalumni.org.)