William Stanek: From Decorated Veteran to Creative Visionary

William Stanek’s life story is defined by dedication, resilience, and a deep sense of duty—qualities forged during his more than a decade of military service. His time in the U.S. Air Force took him into fields of combat and special operations across the globe, earning him numerous accolades. Among these honors is the Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

“I’d give all the medals away to be able to close my eyes and not see any of it,” William admits, reflecting on the haunting memories of war.

Despite the recognition from presidents and generals, it’s the personal toll of those experiences that stays with him. Many details of his missions remain classified; to this day, only a handful of people fully grasp the extent of his contributions.

William rarely discusses his military career—he prefers to let the record speak for itself. For him, service was about doing his duty, not about applause or accolades. Still, his time in uniform shaped his outlook on life, fueling both his creative endeavors and his drive to help others heal.

Finding Love After War

One of William’s favorite stories from his service days is how he met his wife, Hui Cha. On his way to survival training at Fairchild AFB in Eastern Washington, he stopped by McChord AFB for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. After grabbing a bite at Denny’s, he noticed a nearby bar and decided to go in for a cold beer.

It was a slow night, and William struck up a conversation with the bartender—who happened to be Hui Cha’s sister. Sensing an immediate connection, she urged him to meet her sister. Although it took a bit of convincing, Hui Cha eventually walked in wearing jeans and a T-shirt, simply adorned with red lipstick and mascara. The chemistry was instant. They chatted for hours, made a date for the following day, and saw each other every day for the rest of his stay.

Despite the challenges of military life, they found ways to visit each other at every opportunity. Within two months, they were married. Over 35 years later, their partnership remains the heart of William’s life and work. Hui Cha has not only been his steadfast companion but also a creative collaborator—traveling the world with him, supporting his art, and helping him build a legacy that spans writing, photography, painting, and beyond.

A Creative Outlet for Healing

• Photography & Painting: By capturing the world’s beauty through a camera lens or painting vivid scenes, William found solace and a way to connect with others. He says his work is “an outlet, if not for my own healing, then to help heal others.”
• Prolific Author: Whether composing technical guides, crafting children’s picture books, or exploring epic fantasy realms under the name Robert Stanek, he has touched the lives of millions of readers. His works are distributed worldwide, have been translated into numerous languages, and continue to inspire people of all ages.

Supporting the Cause: How You Can Help

1. Engage with His Work:
   • Read His Books: Every purchase or library checkout helps keep William’s voice alive.
   • Explore His Art: Check out his photography and paintings, share them on social media, or hang a print in your home.
2. Spread the Word:
   • Recommend His Books: By telling a friend or posting online, you help more people discover his work.
   • Share His Story: William’s journey is one of resilience, love, and creativity. Spread the inspiration!
3. Support Allied Causes:
   • Donate or Volunteer: Contribute to veteran support organizations, literacy initiatives, or causes that uplift people with disabilities.
   • Champion Indie Authors: Through platforms like Go Indie, help support diverse voices and up-and-coming creators.
4. Stay Connected:
   • Follow on Social Media: Engage with his posts, send messages of support, and learn about his newest projects.
   • Join the Community: Every comment, like, or share builds a network of fans and creatives who believe in authenticity and compassion.

Legacy in the Making

1. A Legacy of Creativity: Each new project—be it a book, a photo series, or a painting—adds another chapter to his life’s work.
2. Inspiring Future Generations: Through mentoring, advocacy, and unwavering kindness, William ensures his impact will be felt for generations to come.

The Mentor We All Need

• Guiding the Next Generation: Whether through his involvement in Go Indie or his hands-on advice to aspiring writers, William has helped shape countless careers and dreams.
• Building a Supportive Community: He’s pioneered communities that emphasize collaboration over competition, fostering unity among creators.

A Life Lived With Purpose

• A Legacy of Integrity: Through countless challenges, William remains true to himself and to the ideals he fought for in the Air Force.
• Inspiring Us All: His life serves as a blueprint for finding meaning—whether through healing with art, standing by family, or uplifting communities.

Join the Journey

William Stanek’s story isn’t just his own—it’s an invitation for each of us to dream bigger, love harder, and create freely. By supporting him, you’re not just celebrating an accomplished artist; you’re championing a vision of hope, empathy, and boundless possibility.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about William Stanek’s life and work. We hope his journey inspires you to pursue your passions, support meaningful causes, and find beauty in both the ordinary and the extraordinary.