Lowcountry Communities to Honor Retired U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains William “Bill” Green, Jr.

Community leaders, elected officials, military veterans, clergy, family, friends, and classmates will gather on Saturday, October 10, to honor one of the South Carolina Lowcountry’s most distinguished sons, Chaplain
(Major General) William “Bill” Green, Jr., United States Army.  The public recognition ceremony, designated as Chaplain (Major General) William “Bill” Green, Jr. Day, begins at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway,
Hilton Head Island, and will celebrate Green’s extraordinary life of faith, military service, and leadership.  A son of Hilton Head Island, General Green was born in Savannah, Georgia, but was reared on Hilton Head Island, deeply rooted in his Gullah Geechee family heritage. A graduate of the former H.E. McCracken High School in Bluffton, General Green retired on August 1, 2026, after serving as the 26th Chief of Chaplains of the U.S. Army. Over more than three decades, he offered spiritual leadership and guidance to soldiers, families, and Army civilians worldwide, steadfastly supporting religious freedom throughout the Army. The celebration’s theme, “From General Mitchel to General Green,” traces a remarkable
journey spanning more than 160 years of American history. The story begins with General Ormsby M. Mitchel, whose leadership in the Civil War led to the founding of the Town of Mitchelville on Hilton Head Island in 1862 — the nation’s first self-governed community of formerly enslaved people. Established on principles of freedom, education, self determination, faith, and community, Mitchelville became a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations.
That legacy comes full circle in General Green, a descendant of Mitchelville whose family roots are deeply connected to Historic Mitchelville. From those roots, he rose to become a national military leader whose life and career have been defined by faith, service, leadership, and humility.

As the Chief of Chaplains, General Green reached one of the highest levels of leadership in the U.S. Army and stands among the most distinguished military leaders to emerge from the Gullah Geechee community. Chaplain (Major General) William “Bill” Green, Jr. Day is more than a celebration of one man’s achievements. It is also a tribute to the enduring promise and legacy of Mitchelville and the Lowcountry communities that helped shape him. “General Green’s life reflects the very best of our community,” said Thomas C. Barnwell, Jr, Advisor Emeritus of the Chaplain (Major General) William “Bill” Green, Jr. Day Recognition Committee. “His journey shows how faith, family, education, and perseverance prepare
someone to lead and serve at the highest levels. This celebration allows us to thank him for his service and ensure his legacy inspires future generations.”

Among the highlights of the recognition ceremony are:
• Presentation of an official proclamation from the Town of Hilton Head Island
declaring October 10, 2026, as “Chaplain (Major General) William ‘Bill’ Green, Jr.
Day.”
• Presentation of a proclamation from the Town of Bluffton recognizing General
Green’s distinguished military service and enduring connection to the Bluffton
community.
• Presentation of a proclamation from the State of South Carolina recognizing General
Green’s achievements as a son of South Carolina.
• Presentation from Beaufort County recognizing General Green for his service to the
nation and his representation of the Beaufort County community.
• Presentation of a Joint Proclamation from the historic churches of Hilton Head
Island honoring his lifelong commitment to Christian ministry, servant leadership,
and community.
• Military honors recognizing his distinguished service as the 26th Chief of Chaplains
of the United States Army.
• Special tributes from clergy, elected officials, community leaders, classmates,
mentors, veterans, and family members.
• Announcement of a scholarship established in General Green’s honor at the
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Donations are being accepted to help
extend his legacy by supporting future generations.