New York Army National Guard Spc. Michael L. Williams

Died October 17, 2003 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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46, of Buffalo, N.Y.; assigned to the 105th Military Police Company, Army National Guard, based in New York; killed in action Oct. 17 when his vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device near Baghdad.

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Spc. Michael Williams re-enlisted in the National Guard, over some family member's objections, after the Sept. 11 attacks, which occurred on his 44th birthday. "You could not change his mind," said his cousin James Robbins said. "He felt strongly about fighting for his country." The 46-year-old Williams was killed Oct. 17 when his vehicle ran over an explosive while returning to a camp near Baghdad. The Buffalo, N.Y., resident was deployed in February. Williams, described as deeply religious and an avid biker, worked for the Inspector General's Office of the New York state Department of Correctional Services. "He was always looking out for the good of everybody," said John Lempke, deputy superintendent for security at the state's Gowanda prison where Williams once worked. "He always had the biggest smile on his face that you ever saw on anybody." Survivors include his wife, two daughters and two stepdaughters and three grandchildren.