William R. Joyce

William R. Joyce began his military service in 1972, when he was drafted into the United States Army. As a Specialist Fourth Class, he was stationed in Germany, guarding the eastern border with Czechoslovakia.

When his tour ended in 1975, Mr. Joyce returned home and began a 40-year civilian career with the New York State Police. He resumed his military service by enlisting in the Army Reserve, eventually rising through the ranks to become a Command Sergeant Major.

Since becoming Genesee County’s Veterans Services Director more than a decade ago, Mr. Joyce has become known for going above and beyond to help veterans secure the benefits they have earned. Such dedication comes from his four decades of military service and an understanding of the sacrifices involved.

At Peterson Air Force Base, as General Eberhart’s senior enlisted advisor, he developed a ceremony recognizing the inactivation of SPACECOM and the activation of U.S. Northern Command  (NORTHCOM). His work on the historic event, attended by General Shelton and Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, earned him Challenge Coins for achieving a “joint ceremony like no other.”

In 2012, Mr. Joyce retired from the military after 40 years of distinguished service, which included deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His achievements earned him multiple medals, including the Bronze Star. To this day, he is grateful to his family for their support during his extended absences.

As the Director of the County’s Veterans Service Agency, Mr. Joyce has established the agency as a leader in the number of claims submitted on behalf of veterans for health care, education and other benefits.

He initiated rural outreach within and beyond his service area to help homebound veterans. He has assisted veterans as far away as the Philippines, and he takes satisfaction in having secured a 100 percent disability rating for two terminally ill veterans in record time, providing them with peace of mind that their spouses would receive survivor benefits.

Mr. Joyce continues to be active in many veterans' organizations and serves as the President of the Western New York National Cemetery Memorial Council.