CHASING THE EAGLE: From Dreaming To Achieving Success & Freedom

By James J. Williams

In 1985, at age 21, Cleveland, Ohio native James J. Williams relocated to the Nation’s Capital in pursuit of success & freedom, but most importantly – fulfillment! His only possessions were a suitcase, a 1979 Chevette, gas money and a dream! Ultimately this treasure hunt would take him more than 25 years to discover. There were equally as many defeats as there were victories; stumbling blocks as there were building-blocks, and most certainly failures & disappointments as there were successes & triumphs.

Now more than 25 years later, author James J. Williams returns home to share his treasure by launching his debut book CHASING THE EAGLE: From Dreaming to Achieving Success & Freedom. This book is an absolute must read! The author takes you on his journey in a quest for success that would include:

* THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
* THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT GIVING UP
* THE FREEDOM OF GIVING BACK

In the final analysis, the author applied a formula that ultimately became his recipe for having a great life:

SUCCESS + FREEDOM = FULFILLMENT

During these tough economic times, things are changing rapidly. Beyond the shrinking dollar, unemployment, home foreclosures and other challenges that threaten our families and communities, many Americans are finding out that success and freedom have become an endangered species. Author James J. Williams knows exactly what it means to grow up having less. If America would become the land of milk & honey, she certainly overlooked the east side neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio where James grew up. The very thought of success and achievement became a daily struggle for him. Today, Mr. Williams proudly lives a different reality and is bringing those experiences to his readers

• Language: English
• Publisher: James J. Williams
• Release date: Apr 27, 2012
• ISBN: 9780982614723

James J. Williams

BIOGRAPHY OF JAMES J. WILLIAMSJames J. Williams’ career spans more than 25 years as an Information Technology and Human Resources professional. James has worked in both the government sector and private industry. He’s held various mid-to-senior level positions for several Fortune 500 companies including: AT&T, General Electric, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman. James continues to add value in his current position as Senior Cybersecurity Analyst at Fort Meade, Maryland. During these tough economic times, he is often described among his peers as a “....new voice for career transitioners! ”He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and firstborn of four children. In Fall 1982, the John F. Kennedy High School graduate attended Kent State University. By Fall 1985, an acceptance letter to Howard University relocated James to Washington, DC. However, due to the depletion of scholarship funds, James withdrew from Howard in 1987.In 1988, after years of part-time employment, James discovered a second career in the Army Reserves, allowing him to attend college courses using the Montgomery GI Bill. In 1995, he was nominated and published in the National Dean’s List publication for academic excellence. That would be followed by an induction to the National Honor Society. In 1996, 14 years post high school, James earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems. James also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He is now on track in completing his Ph.D in Public Management and Leadership and joining his fellow cohorts and future scholars as Class of 2015.James J. Williams’ career spans more than 25 years as an Information Technology and Human Resources professional. James has worked in both the government sector and private industry. He’s held various mid-to-senior level positions for several Fortune 500 companies including: AT&T, General Electric, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman. James continues to add value in his current position as Senior Cybersecurity Analyst at Fort Meade, Maryland. During these tough economic times, he is often described among his peers as a “....new voice for career transitioners! ”While James’ accomplishments may seem significant, his beginnings were very humble. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio. James was the firstborn child having a younger brother and two younger sisters. From grade school through high school, his young life would be dual-hatted as both older brother and as father in a single parent household. Reared in the inner-city of Cleveland, the idea of dreaming or achieving didn’t seem possible for James. His high school guidance counselor was not convinced that James was a fit for higher learning given his economic status and discouraged him from pursuing academia. However James’ faith in God and himself propelled his vision to a different reality.In 1988, after years of part-time employment, James discovered a second career in the Army Reserves, allowing him to attend college courses using the Montgomery GI Bill. In 1995, he was nominated and published in the National Dean’s List publication for academic excellence. That would be followed by an induction to the National Honor Society. In 1996, 14 years post high school, James earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. James also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He is now on track in completing his Ph.D in Public Management and Leadership and joining his fellow cohorts and future scholars as Class of 2015.James is also the Publisher/CEO of Rising Eagle Publishing, LLC, a small independent publishing company chartered to provide consulting and publishing services to indie authors. James expanded his venture as a self-published author of his debut book, CHASING THE EAGLE: From Dreaming to Achieving Success & Freedom. An absolute must read! This multi-award-winning author/publisher recently won the 2012 USA Best Book Award for Best New eBook, Non-Fiction. His triumph from public assistance to public service is a personal story of success that equally inspires students, corporate execs and military leaders alike.Mr. Williams continues to enjoy his now, 25-year military reserve career as an Army Chief Warrant Officer. He has previously served in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Hawaii, South Korea, and the Philippines. With no future plans for retirement, CW4 Williams is currently assigned to Headquarters, United States Pacific Command (PACOM) located at Camp Smith, Hawaii.James recognizes his greatest accomplishments as a husband to his wife, Greta, and as a father to their son, James II. A family of faith, the Williams’ acknowledge that through Christ:ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Book preview

CHASING THE EAGLE

From Dreaming To Achieving Success & Freedom

by

James J. Williams

Smashwords Edition

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Published on Smashwords by:

Rising Eagle Publishing, LLC

12138 Central Avenue, Suite 102

Bowie, Maryland 20721

Chasing The Eagle

Copyright April 1, 2012 © James J Williams

ISBN: 978-09826147-2-3

Websites

www.risingeaglepublishing.com

www.chasingtheeagle.com

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal use only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

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DEDICATIONS

This book is dedicated to the memory of my late father-in-law, Edward Bolden who made his transition with the Lord!

This book also is dedicated to you, the reader who dares to not only dream but achieve success and freedom on your terms. To you I would say that your success awaits. Now, go after it….I did!

Here’s To Celebrating YOU!

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TESTIMONIALS

Chasing The Eagle: From Dreaming To Achieving Success & Freedom takes away all excuses from anyone who doesn’t believe they can achieve both success and financial freedom. James Williams is a man who is not sharing ideas he has read about, but rather is sharing time tested strategies he has lived! I recommend you read this book and then re-read it. It will inspire you, empower you and impact you so that you will be able to live life at the next level! Read this book...you will be glad you did!

– WILLIE JOLLEY,

best selling author of

A Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback

and An Attitude of Excellence!

Chasing The Eagle: From Dreaming To Achieving Success & Freedom is a remarkable book, with practical wisdom for anyone seeking the fulfillment of a personal dream. An interesting read. James Williams has overcome incredible odds, putting considerable thought into this book. His experiences will inspire and motivate you to take action. Buckle your seatbelts. After reading this book, there are no excuses.

– JOEL A. FREEMAN, Ph.D.

author, CEO/President,

The Freeman Institute®

James Williams weaves an amazing story of struggle and triumph, dreams abandoned and fulfilled and the depth of character that evolves in the process. This is a must read for anyone who has ever reached, or wanted to reach beyond the present to the seemingly impossible.

– LORETTA LOVE HUFF,

creator of the RENEW My Life System™

It is said that that which is most personal is most universal. James Williams captures and embodies the universal story of overcoming disadvantages, trials, and opposition to boldly realize your dreams. This book is a manual for achievers who want to convert their dreams into goals, and their goals into reality. The prerequisite to greatness is adversity, and Mr. Williams offers hope, encouragement, and humor to propel anyone toward a life of freedom and success.

– LAVON LEWIS,

CEO/President of Pencilworx Design Group

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EPIGRAPH & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1: THE DREAM

Chapter 1. My Story

Chapter 2. Belief Through Quiet Confidence

Chapter 3. Taking Flight on Your Dreams

Chapter 4. Your Dream or Your Job?

SECTION 2: THE CHASE

Chapter 5. My Story

Chapter 6. The Pursuit of Excellence

Chapter 7. Failure & Disappointment

Chapter 8. The Importance of Not Giving Up

SECTION 3: THE ACHIEVEMENT

Chapter 9. My Story

Chapter 10. The Need for Achievement

Chapter 11. Managing Your Expectations

Chapter 12. Checking Your Vital Signs

SECTION 4: SUCCESS & FREEDOM

Chapter 13. My Story

Chapter 14. Success on Your Own Terms

Chapter 15. The Freedom of Giving Back

Chapter 16. Putting It All Together

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

BIOGRAPHY

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you, Lord! You’ve equipped me to write this book.

To my amazing copy editor, Rhonda Larson. You are just awesome. Thank you!

To my parents who unselfishly brought me into this world against all odds. In particular, my mother who has always believed in my success & freedom, and made huge sacrifices to ensure I would get them both. Love you mom, this one’s for you!

To my siblings, Dewayne, Gretta, and Rochelle. We grew up on the jagged edge of life and kept a sense of humor all the while. In the end, we did just fine. I wouldn’t have had it any other way but with the four of us…love you guys!

To my late grandparents, Joe & Bertha Jackson who knew without a doubt that I would achieve success on my own terms. Grandma and grandpa, you were right!

To my military family of more than two decades. In particular, James E. Clemonts, Tyree E. Webster II, Kathleen J. Porter, Martin E. Pangelinan, John D. Croce and Randall C. Cieslak. A special acknowledgement to my fellow Army chief warrant officer (and friend) Virginia Oscovitch – I truly thank all of you. YOU ROCK!

To my career mentor, Jeremy J. Ross. Your insight greatly enhanced my professional career. Thank you, J!

To my closest friend of more than twenty-five years, Frank Malone. You and Lisa are the real deal. Thanks!

Last, but certainly not least, my rock, advisor and best friend – my wife, Greta, and our son, James II. You are the reason I continue ‘chasing the eagle’. Love you both!

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WARNING – DISCLAIMER

This book is designed to provide information on dreaming and achieving success on your own terms. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and author are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

It is not the purpose of this book to reprint all the information that is otherwise available to authors and/or publishers, but instead to complement, amplify and supplement other texts. You are urged to read all the available material, learn as much as possible and tailor the information to your individual needs.

Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and as accurate as possible. However, there may be mistakes, both typographical and in content. Therefore, this text should be used only as a general guide and not as the ultimate source of information. Furthermore, this book contains information that is current only up to the printing date.

The purpose of this book is to