William A Steiger III

Bill enjoyed his early family life as an Army brat and experienced many stateside assignments with his family before settling in Northern Virginia. After graduating from Annandale High School, Bill attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) on an ROTC scholarship where he was a proud Hokie and member of the Gregory Guard, Cotillion Club, and as a senior, the Regimental S-3 of the Corps of Cadets.

Upon graduation in 1969, Bill was commissioned as an Infantry 2nd LT by GEN Westmoreland. Bill completed IOBC, Airborne, Ranger, and Pathfinder Training before being assigned to the 5th of the 7th Cavalry (“Garry Owen”) in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader. As a 1st LT, Bill led the platoon in actions in both Cambodia and Vietnam. Bill’s other troop assignments included Ranger Instructor, Ft. Benning, GA; Company Commander, 2/30th INF BN, Schweinfurt, Germany; Executive Officer, 1/61st INF, Ft. Polk, LA; BN Commander, 4/6th INF BN (“Regulars, By God”), Ft. Polk, LA and Panama; G-3 5th INF Division, Ft. Polk, LA; BDE Commander, 1st Brigade, Ft. Jackson, SC; Chief of Staff, 4th INF Division, Ft. Hood, TX; and Commander of the 1st ROTC Region with HQTS at Ft. Bragg, NC. Bill received numerous awards during his thirty years of service. His most meaningful were the Combat Infantry Badge, Ranger Tab, Airborne Wings, two Bronze Stars with “V” Device, Purple Heart, and Air Medal.

Bill earned a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Gonzaga University and another in Strategic Leadership from the US Army War College, Carlisle, PA.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, William and Evelyn Steiger, and his sister, Stephanie Steiger. Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, the former Wendy Ostertag; son, Gavin Steiger (Lora); daughter, Emily Quattlebaum (Brett); sister and traveling buddy, Sharon Spahr (Jon); brother, Steve Steiger; brother-in-law, Raymond Ostertag; and numerous nieces and nephews. His greatest joys in retirement were his grandchildren Kellan and Hudson Steiger; and Knox, Martha Hayes, and Lila Rose Quattlebaum.

Bill was affectionately nicknamed “the G-3” by his friends, for he thrived on planning trips and events. His travels took him to all 50 states and over 40 countries. He particularly looked forward to family beach week and his reunions with the Vietnam platoon, his treasured Ranger buddies, and the Corps alums at Virginia Tech. He valued hard work, honesty, loyalty and he led by example. Bill knew the Lord as his Savior and was a member of North East Presbyterian Church (NEPC). Fishing with a thankful heart on the lake behind his house kept him in touch with the natural beauty provided by God’s hand.

Burial with full military honors at a date to be determined will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. at Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia, on Saturday, March 10, 2018, with visitation in the church atrium at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill’s name may be sent to the Fisher House (Fisher House Charleston, PO Box 1678, Charleston, SC 29402).

Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.