William Steele, District #2, is the Choctaw Nation’s Veteran of the Month.
Steele was born in Talihina, but was raised and graduated high school in Wright City, Oklahoma. He attended Haskell Institute for two years, studying Auto Mechanics, before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969.
He was stationed at Fort Polk for Basic Training, then transferred to the Yuma Proving Grounds, where he tested mechanical equipment. He served with an artillery unit in Vietnam, remaining for the final year of his military career, concluding his service in 1971. He was honorably discharged with the rank of E-4.
He earned a Personal Career Development Award for his exceptional maintenance work on many vehicles, including Jeeps used by generals.
Steele returned home to eastern Oklahoma and began employment with the Valliant Paper Mill in 1971. Through dedication and skill, he advanced to the top of his field, operating and maintaining computerized boiler systems utilizing water and steam power. He retired in 2015.
He credits his military service with instilling a lifelong sense of order and discipline in his personal and professional life.
Steele married Evelyne Battiest-Steele in 1972. They have two sons, Kevin and Corey.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma holds our Veterans in the highest esteem and appreciates their sacrifices and contributions to preserve our freedoms and the way of life we hold dear.