Art Williams is an example of a person who completes one distinguished career and then pursues a lifelong dream (to become a watercolor artist). Born and raised in Watertown , New York , he followed his early desire to become a civil engineer. He entered the U.S. Army and began a military career which lasted 34 years, including service as Director of Civil Works in the Corps Headquarters and Division Engineer for the Lower Mississippi River Division and the Pacific Ocean Division. He also served as President of the Mississippi River Commission. He retired in 1996 from the Army as a Lieutenant General after serving as the 48 th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He began his service at Dawson & Associates soon thereafter.