“Perseverance” – by Troy Williams

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It has been conveyed in public forums that the “ultimate measure of man
is not where he stands during times of comfort and conveyance; it is how
endures challenges and adversity. I am a 43 year old man that has
endured and overcome tremendous adversity. During the decade of the
2000’s I was forced to retire from the Virginia Beach Police Department
after 10 years of cumulative service due to an injury. As a divorced
father of two; I am seeking a scholarship in order to successfully
finance my goal; which is obtaining an Executive Masters in Public
Management from the University of Maryland, College Park.

I would like to convey my personal and professional background; which
will be a substantial addition to your program. Hopefully, you will
discern that I am an excellent candidate for your 2,500.00 Fellowship.

As the first born child to woman who bore 5 children with no husband
my management ability was developed as a child. The low socio-economic
circumstances that I was raised in developed my inherent leadership
ability. This was due to our constant struggle to survive; with dignity.
The entity that provided the direction, vision and strength is the one
true and living God/Jesus the Christ. This relationship has strengthened
throughout my life. When I faced challenges in my neighborhood, school,
athletics or due to happenstance; my inherent ability manage a
situation was an asset. As a youth growing up in an urban environment;
my peers and mentors typically identified me as the ideal candidate to
lead the task that where placed before us. While it was my goal to begin
college following my high school graduation in 1985; I was compelled to
join the United States Marine Corps in order to augment the financial
situation my mother and four siblings faced.

During my honorable tour of service with the United States Marine
Corps; I worked in the headquarters battalion. The administrative clerk
position that I maintained give me the opportunity to be exposed to the
policy and procedures that where utilized by this outstanding
organization. My experiences in terms of typing and proofreading
policies while serving overseas for a year in Okinawa, Japan and Marine
Barracks Norfolk, Virginia (which has been renamed as of this time) will
provide insight that will enhance Public Policy field.

Furthermore, as a result of my 25 years of professional experience;
which has been compiled in a variety of public/policy trust positions;
will provide a unique perspective of perseverance. My extensive and
diverse public/policy positions have afforded me the opportunity to be
employed by and work in concert with numerous Federal, State, Local and
municipal law enforcement, security and intelligence organizations. My
duties have included program management responsibilities in terms of
human resources, security project management, investigator training,
anti-terrorism threat assessment, case investigation, grants and
proposal writing. I have substantial experience in the review of current
and near term reports and local news on political, military, security
and intelligence organizations. My written and oral communication skills
are documented as in terms of being policy subject matter expert.

If I may digress, I would like to further convey my extensive and
diverse professional experience; which includes employment with the city
of Virginia Beach, Virginia Police department as a Law Enforcement
Officer for more than a decade. While there I performed various law
enforcement management related duties, to include implementing and
developing security procedures, investigating crimes, implementing law
enforcement projects, providing technical trainings (classroom and field
emergency management procedures) and conducting on and off duty
security for various organizations. I am a certified software instructor
and training professional with extensive legal and emergency management
experience. I have worked as a Business Systems Analyst II (Threat
Analyst) for the United States Transportation Safety Administration as a
government contractor and your employment opportunity is ideal for an
individual with my extensive and diverse management experience in both
the private and public sector. Proudly, I served our country honorably
in the United States Marine Corps in a variety of capacities consistent
with your academic curriculum.

I have been employed as a Domestic Security Officer with the
Department of State (contractor position). This was a physical security
project management position where I facilitated multifaceted
investigations, management level policy review and overall supervision
of the uniform protective division. Importantly, I served as the primary
corporate point of contact with COTRs/Contractor Program Managers/Task
Monitors; which is consistent with your job description.

Furthermore, my previous duties with the Department of State included
conducting policy review, investigations and inspections of domestic
facilities to ensure compliance with FAM regulations, federal and
domestic security standards. I have been responsible for the for the
internal defense policy concepts as necessary; in order to incorporate
improved physical security upgrades as well as initiate and approve
physical security policy surveys. These policies are implemented and
conducted annually. I have periodically conduct executive level security
policy briefings to provide necessary knowledge of specific security
regulation and procedures to their assigned facility. I have been
responsible for investigating/documenting security violations and
investigations. In this capacity I also oversee and manage the Uniformed
Protection Officers at domestic facilities within the Department of
State. In the event of an emergency incident, I am required to respond
to the incidents as a First Responder. I have been in a First Responder
capacity for more than two decades. I am certified by FEMA as an
Incident Commander in the event of a major crisis.

I have been the responsible for conducting initial investigations of
allegations and criminal incidents that involve violations of the U. S.
Criminal Code of U. S. Government regulations by employees or
contractors in cooperation with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS),
Officer Investigations and Counterintelligence (ICI) or other
appropriate law enforcement agencies when directed. Additionally, my
position supported the Office of Diplomatic Protection for the Secretary
of State and Diplomatic Protection for Foreign Dignitaries and others
with managing the protection of classified policy information and
screening guest at special events.

It should be noted that during my career as a City of Virginia Beach,
Virginia Police Officer I supervised and trained officers/investigators
in a variety of capacities that relate to physical security, public
policy, training, and coordinated emergency services in concert with
private and public sector entities. As a Uniform Patrol Officer I
attended a Department of Criminal Justice Services certified training
academy. I became a certified instructor in various law enforcement
capacities during my career. I have had an opportunity to develop policy
information that led to successful apprehension and investigation of
complex crimes on various levels.

In conclusion, I would like to respectfully request consideration for
a scholarship that will augment my ability to successfully complete
your dynamic academic program. I would thank you in advance for all of
your time and consideration in accepting me into your outstanding
program; which I believe is designed for a distinguished professional
such as myself, have a good day.