Military: Bill Conrad, LTC USA (Ret) military qualifications and schools are Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Mortar Platoon Leaders Course, Airborne School, Ranger School, Special Forces Officer Qualification Course (Green Beret), Air Assault School, Army Flight School, Aviation Officer Advanced Course, and SERE High Risk. He graduated from USMA with a BS in engineering and a minor in political science. Past military service: Regular Army, Air National Guard (Pilot & Civil Engineer), Air Force Reserve, and Army Reserve (Civil Affairs). Highest clearance TS SCI (adjudication Nov 2010). Bill served four combat tours (38 months total) in Afghanistan: Civil Affairs, Human Terrain Team Leader, Human Terrain Country Manager, and a short tour as a Special Forces Engineering Officer.

Professional: After leaving active duty, Bill and his wife, Karen, moved to Modesto in the 1990s to raise their family and run a small business. Bill ran a design-build company (First Team Construction Inc.). In 2001, he was recalled to active duty. Karen continues to operate her realty company, First Realty, and is managing broker for Alison James Estates and Homes. 

Elected Office: His faith and a strong sense of duty inspired Bill to serve as a Modesto City Councilman for five years, one of which was as Vice Mayor. He chaired several city committees, including Public Safety and Economic Development. Prior to 9/11, Bill also ran and was nominated to run for U.S. Congress.