For many, Memorial Day marks the start of summer – a long weekend filled with cookouts, parades and time off work. But for Jeff Johnson, Senior Counsel in Litigation and Operations Services at Williams, Memorial Day holds a far deeper meaning. It’s a day to honor his son, Specialist Dylan Johnson, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2011 at just 20 years old.

During a recent Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG) event at Williams, Jeff shared the story of his son’s service and sacrifice. It was a powerful, emotional reminder of what Memorial Day truly represents.

“Before I became a Gold Star dad, I didn’t truly understand the meaning behind Memorial Day – despite my family’s long history of military service,” Jeff said. “Now, I just hope people celebrate the day, enjoy the time off, and remember that its purpose is to honor the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

Dylan grew up in Tulsa with a clear sense of duty. He dreamed of serving in the military from a young age, even dressing as a soldier for many Halloweens. After high school, he joined the Army as a Cavalry Scout – a highly trained role focused on reconnaissance. He was stationed at Fort Hood and deployed to Iraq in 2011.

“He always wanted to serve,” Jeff shared. But there was so much more to Dylan than just his uniform. “Dylan planned on going to culinary school after he left the Army. He was a talented cook and very funny.”

Tragically, Dylan’s life was cut short while escorting military leadership during a mission in the Diyala Province.  Their convoy was attacked with a grenade, instantly killing Dylan and fellow soldier Sergeant Russell Proctor.

Dylan was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His service and ultimate sacrifice were   recognized with numerous honors, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. A bridge in Tulsa now bears his name, visible to drivers on Highway 75 just north of the Creek Turnpike.

In the time that followed, the Johnsons became a Gold Star family – bonded by the grief, honor, and resilience of losing an immediate family member in military service. Jeff describes joining this community as entering “a family you weren’t really aware of until you’re in it.”

He now uses his story to bring awareness to the real meaning of Memorial Day and the ongoing support needed for surviving families.

“It’s tough, but it’s therapeutic,” Jeff said of speaking publicly about Dylan. “And I think it brings awareness to everybody. Because when someone dies in the military, there’s probably 20 to 50 people affected in their circle. We lost one son, but I probably gained 20 or 30 others.”

As a Gold Star parent, Jeff has become a quiet but powerful advocate for remembrance and connection.

“Every Gold Star family is deeply impacted by the loss of their soldier – immediate family, extended family, friends. I didn’t know any Gold Star families before I became one, and now I’m often the only one people have ever met,” he said.

Since joining Williams in 2022, Jeff has found a meaningful connection through the Veterans ERG, which supports veterans and their families across the company.

“From the minute I started, I reached out about getting involved,” Jeff said. “The transition from military to civilian life is a difficult one, and I’ve had conversations with a lot of Dylan’s battle buddies about the transition. Being able to support others through the ERG means a lot.”

When Memorial Day comes around, Jeff asks that people take a moment – at 3 p.m. or anytime that day – to remember.

“Be respectful. Memorial Day isn’t about politics or just cookouts,” he said. “It’s about honoring those who gave everything.”