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<p><em>Craig Daniel Billman</em> was born to U.S. Army Air Corps veteran Lionel Billman and Muriel Mathias Billman in Logansport, IN. He graduated from Logansport High School in 1979 and attended Taylor University for one year until he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. A classmate later observed, “His roots as a Hoosier and the values that are often associated with the Midwest (faith, hard work) were true to Craig.”</p>
<p>Craig entered the Academy on July 1, 1980 and graduated on May 23, 1984. Packing a lot of life, learning, and love in those three years, 10 months, and 22 days, his cadet career provided early indicators of the person people would know him to be his entire life. Late nights and weekend hours at the cadet library pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in general engineering and a concentration in international affairs earned him a spot on the dean’s list for six of eight academic terms. His non-academic pursuits included the Student Conference on United States Affairs, Finance Forum, Domestic Affairs Forum, Spanish Club, and the Navigators. </p>
<p>Like a typical cadet, Craig completed cadet military skills training at Airborne School and Cadet Troop Leader Training in Germany. Unlike the typical cadet, he voluntarily spent precious summer leave for Operation Crossroads Africa in Lesotho and internalized the organization’s motto: “Make a difference for others, see the difference in yourself.”</p>
<p>Craig’s sincerity, friendship, and infectious smile left a lasting impact on classmates. The 1984 <em>Howitzer </em>captured him perfectly: The one word that describes Craig is “devoted.” His devotion to West Point, his goals, his friends, and the Lord, was unquestionable. He was always cheerful, concerned for the welfare of others, and present when anyone needed him. His quiet yet sometimes boisterous friendship will be remembered by all who knew him. His inspiration will never be forgotten.</p>
<p>Upon graduation, Craig was commissioned into the Field Artillery. After completing the FA Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, OK, he went to Fort Benning, GA and earned the coveted Ranger Tab. Ranger School reinforced the personal values, inner strength, and leadership qualities he already had. </p>
<p>Over the next three and a half years, Craig excelled in the most difficult jobs under the most stressful conditions that any Field Artillery lieutenant can endure. He served 16 months in Korea, first as a fire support team chief in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with the most forward deployed rifle company in the U.S. Army, then as executive officer of a nuclear capable 155 mm howitzer firing battery located just 10 kilometers from the DMZ. He then spent 26 months with the 7th Infantry Division (Light) at Fort Ord, CA (a unit with a rapid deployment mission), where he served as executive officer of a headquarters and service battery in a direct support 105 mm howitzer battalion, battalion fire support officer for an infantry battalion, and targeting officer for a maneuver brigade. As these last two positions were normally assigned to more experienced captains, his senior officers clearly recognized the maturity, professionalism, and excellence that Craig brought to every assignment.</p>
<p>Although on track for a career of exemplary service in the regular Army, Craig felt another calling. He chose to leave active duty early and serve the remainder of his service obligation in the U.S. Army Reserve. Earning a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School in 1990, he embarked on a career in international finance, fueled by his remarkable team-building skills, exacting standards, and personal work ethic. During this time, he was known as Daniel to his new friends and coworkers. Over the next 34 years, Craig’s global business ventures took him to over 90 countries. He lived in Russia, the Philippines, and Panama; spoke Russian and Spanish fluently; mastered six other languages; and wrote and produced Banker’s Secret, a thrilling exploration of a U.S. currency war with Russia and China.</p>
<p>At 39, Craig faced a life-altering challenge—a massive stroke, possibly triggered by a chiropractic visit. Undeterred, he drew upon his unwavering faith and Ranger mindset: “keep(ing) myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight” and “display(ing) the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission.” He used his gifts of humor and compassion to reassure others facing similar health setbacks, emphasizing resilience and the ability to rebuild their lives with time, effort, and love.</p>
<p>In his final years, Craig resided in Panama, where he continued his personal ministry of helping others. He lived among the members of the community, was a good friend to his neighbors, encouraged children’s aspirations, advised those who faced personal challenges, and stood up for what was right no matter the personal cost. He touched people around the world, and he will be sorely missed.</p>
<p>“It is not what a man does that is of final importance but what he is in what he does. The atmosphere produced by a man, much more than his activities, has the lasting influence.” — Oswald Chambers</p>
<p><em>— Dennis J. Cahill, Classmate</em></p>
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