Authored by: anonymous on Tuesday, February 10 2004 @ 11:15 PM MST

I knew Bill Payne, I had the honor of working with him while sationed at Fort Riley KS.  Bill was instructed to give up half of his platoon (two tank crews) in order to round out my company for a upcoming NTC rotation, Bill never complained and he sent me his two BEST crews.  Bill stayed in constant touch with me, my First Sergeant and his tank crews insuring that they were being taken care of and that they were representing 2-70 Ar proudly, Bill's professionalism and true caring for his men was the norm - the way by which he lived.  It saddens me to hear of his passing as I am sure that this unfortunate news has reached many and affected even more.  Karin my prayers go out to you in your time of sorrow,

God bless,

Mike Kohler

(Bountyhunter 6, 98-99)

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Authored by: anonymous on Tuesday, June 22 2004 @ 03:04 AM MDT

I was looking at all the young men who have died in this war and noticed that a few men were my age.

I did not know William Payne. I do know what it is like to be 46 years old with son's. A good father never stops worrying about his family. A good leader never stops worrying about the men and women he leads. This man was obviously both. A loss to this world the rest of us can't afford to lose or sit back and accept.

William and I were fortunate to barely escape the Vietnam era. I simply never thought my peers were dying in Iraq.

Rest in Peace William Payne. I am one fellow man who will remember your name. May your son's live to see the day that America is no longer fighting in the Middle East.

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Authored by: anonymous on Friday, May 19 2006 @ 12:43 AM MDT

William,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Strike Swiftly"(70th Armor Motto)

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Authored by: ronniemarks on Monday, August 17 2009 @ 03:29 PM MDT

My name is Ronnie Marks, and I attended school with Bill in Otsego, Michigan. Bill was a great classmate, and speaking on behalf of my other classmates, we all loved Bill. He was always smiling and laughing, except out on the football field. Bill was not very big, and he played the center position on offense. The other linemen, Jim Harvey (USAF), Terry Boyett...they towered over Bill. But once Bill hiked that football, you better watch out if you were lined up across from him. Bill was fairly strong and real damn quick off the ball, but it was his strong will, determinaton, and commitment to his football team that would get the opposing defender knocked on his ass. We all admired Bills' dedication to playing hard on every play. After high school we all moved on, and Bill went into the Army. I went into the Navy. One time, Bill and I ended up home on leave at the same time. I crossed paths with him and Karin at a bar in Otsego and we partied all night. To hear the stories of Bills' dedication to his troops is not a surprise to those of us who attended school with him. We admired his strong will and his courage on the football field, and we admire his faithful service to his country as well. Bill is a true American hero. We shall celebrate his life at our future class reunions, and he will always be in our hearts. Hats off to you, Bill. And may God Bless............Ronnie Marks

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