May 9, 2023
The Passing of CAPT William McAllister, USNR (Ret)
Dear USNPAA Members,
I am saddened to report the passing of Captain William “Bill” McAllister. Bill was a very respected Naval reservist and served in two key leadership positions—commanding officer of the Reserve Public Affairs Center in Norfolk and later as the commanding officer of the CHINFO reserve unit.
Many of us who knew him in his reserve capacity also got to know him in his civilian role as a reporter for The Washington Post in the 1980s and 1990s. Bill wrote about political and policy developments across many federal agencies but cultivated a focus on the Postal Service. He had a very interesting column about stamps and coins that was published in the Weekend section of the paper. He retired from The Post in 1999. Prior to joining The Post, Bill spent his early career at the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot and rose to become a city editor there. Bill also was a San Francisco-based reporter for The Wall Street Journal.
But Bill clearly left his mark as a Naval reservist and public affairs officer, serving for 26 years. Having served with him during my tours in CHINFO, I remember being impressed by Bill’s leadership as his units added depth to the Navy public affairs community.
Bill leaves his wife, Polly, and four sons; a sister; a brother; and seven grandchildren.
Please keep Bill’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
Tom Jurkowsky
President
Washington Post Obituary
More Notes from the Admiral
The Passing of CAPT William McAllister, USNR (Ret)
Dear USNPAA Members,
I am saddened to report the passing of Captain William “Bill” McAllister. Bill was a very respected Naval reservist and served in two key leadership positions—commanding officer of the Reserve Public Affairs Center in Norfolk and later as the commanding officer of the CHINFO reserve unit.
Many of us who knew him in his reserve capacity also got to know him in his civilian role as a reporter for The Washington Post in the 1980s and 1990s. Bill wrote about political and policy developments across many federal agencies but cultivated a focus on the Postal Service. He had a very interesting column about stamps and coins that was published in the Weekend section of the paper. He retired from The Post in 1999. Prior to joining The Post, Bill spent his early career at the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot and rose to become a city editor there. Bill also was a San Francisco-based reporter for The Wall Street Journal.
But Bill clearly left his mark as a Naval reservist and public affairs officer, serving for 26 years. Having served with him during my tours in CHINFO, I remember being impressed by Bill’s leadership as his units added depth to the Navy public affairs community.
Bill leaves his wife, Polly, and four sons; a sister; a brother; and seven grandchildren.
Please keep Bill’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
Tom Jurkowsky
President
Washington Post Obituary
More Notes from the Admiral