Capt Will Hays is and was a friend of mine.  He is and was a class act and showed the dignity of military service and community actions post military. He had the ability to connect with people at every level of the military and society.   He set a standard we all attempt to emulate and having been selected as a Capt Will Hays VOY (2017)is an honor I will never forget.  Will  Hays either.  May he RIP. Best to Will's family.   Gary Rossio, USAF veteran , CEO, VAMC San DIego (ret), co founder of the San Diego Veterans Coalition.   

I have fond memories of Will and Norma. They were always gracious and hospitable, whether in Annandale or San Diego. I enjoyed seeing Will in Albuquerque and had hoped to return the visit this winter. May he and Norma rest well.  May you know they are thought of fondly.

Gayla (Carlson) Boomer

Will and I had been friends for years as part of The Military Order (MOWW), a Veteran Service Organization. He encouraged me in numerous ways.  So,  I attended Honor Flight San Diego Homecoming celebrations, and especially when he returned from his flight to D.C.! I enjoyed attending MOWW meetings and luncheons in part because Will would often be there.  He  greeted me  smiling broadly when he saw me.  Also,  As the Executive Director of the Veteran Museum, Will persuaded me to participate in San Diego County Veteran of the Year ceremonies and to submit nominees.  So I did!  We celebrated a final time at our chapter Christmas party in 2021.    Together we performed a short duet exclaiming, "Ho, Ho, Ho!" and wishing everyone present a Merry Christmas! Captain Will represented a true gentleman, a true friend, and a true supporter of veterans, and our country.  I miss him.

After my graduation from Giltner High, We packed up the station wagon, drove East to pick up Norma, and then enjoyed the trip to the Naval Academy.  Will had arranged a home for us to stay, and he also arranged a Midshipman uniform for me, and a date, for us to attend the Navy Ball at the Academy.  The next day, the family enjoyed the celebration of the USNA graduation.

Sorry for your loss. I was aboard the USS Worden DLG 18, in Yokosuka, Japan in 1974 which changed designation to CG 18 under the command of Capt Hays.   As an E3 Seaman, straight out of bootcamp, I really didn't interact with the CO much other than responding to his orders being relayed to me when on bridge watch.  But he was always professional and fair with his crew from my perspective.  I very much respected the man!  

Mr. Will Hays,

It was always a joy to have you in the museum and to talk about the plans I had in store for the future. Being the curator of the museum and the museum being your baby, it was an honor to let me control at least a little bit of the ship.

I will miss you and I am sorry that the many plans we discussed never came to fruition, but it was an honor to know you, though brief it was.

Just know the museum you created has connected hundreds if not thousands of people together where otherwise they may have never met, like me.

Farewell,

Alexander Robbins

Will is and will always be missed.
Thomas

I will miss our special moments together at the Veterans Museum.
Johnny

Will was one of kind. He was a giant in the San Diego Military and Veteran community, always honoring those who came before him and taking care of the ones who came after him. His legacy and what he did for our community will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to his family and may he RIP.

Karolyn and I have enjoyed seeing and chatting with CAPT Hays and Sandra at Lake Murray. We loved his spirit and smile and got a hint of his amazing career in the Navy. He has been an inspiration to staying active and engaged. Also, kudos to Sandra for her caring and support for her dad!

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Hays at the San Diego Veterans Museum in June 2020. We appreciate the time he took to participate in a video for Veterans Day when many veterans were feeling isolated due to the pandemic. His smile lit up the room. His legacy lives on. 

Will was truly a "prince" of a man. He touched so many with his wisdom and kindness--and he will continue to touch many through his initiatives at the Veterans Museum and elsewhere.

I was saddened to hear of Will's death. I had the opportunity to work with him on several occasions, and each one was a pleasure. Will was a great gentleman, a true leader, and an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed in San Diego's veterans community.

I'm only sorry that, due to another commitment I can't change, I won't be able to attend the service for Will. I wish Will's family all the best.

Your warm welcome to me for the board of directors at the Veterans Museum was much appreciated. It was an honor to also emcee and be at your table for the Veteran of the Year ceremonies.