Bill was born in 1946 in San Francisco California. He is an author, award-winning poet, artist, actor, international motivational speaker, former radio show host, advisor and consultant to films and documentaries, interfaith minister, advocate for veterans, yoga meditation teacher, decorated Vietnam War veteran, member of several non-profit organizations for PTSD veterans and suicide prevention, and he is spiritual advisor and confidant to many from all walks of life.
He is the founder of the American Authors Association (AAA). He is a member of American Legion Post 233, The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #500, Amvets, The Military Order of The Purple Heart, and he works with other veteran organizations as a chaplain when needed.
During the Vietnam War he was a crew-chief/door-gunner on a UH-1 Huey Helicopter with the famed Tomahawks: The 128th Assault Helicopter Company. His tour of duty was from October 1966 to October 1967. He was awarded many ribbons and medals including: The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart Medal, and 14 Air Medals. He was wounded when his helicopter was shot down in April of 1967. He was also blown up by a rocket and injured in July of 1967
His autobiography, A Spiritual Warrior’s Journey, first published in 2003, tells of his life experiences not only in the war but also his formative years and the decades after he got back from the war. His next two books were poetry and prose. Sacred Eye: Poetry in Search of the Divine won him a $25,000 publisher’s prize as the best poetry book of 2004. His book of war poetry, Purple Hearts: Poetry of the Vietnam War, won public acclaims and honors as well.