From combat to county service, military experience shapes Benton County safety officer 

For Benton County Safety Officer Ray Woothtakewahbitty, service has always been about mission, people and accountability. 

Woothtakewahbitty, whose name is Comanche meaning “arrive and strike,” comes from a family and culture with deep military roots. He is Comanche on his father’s side, and like many Indigenous peoples, the Comanche people have a long history of military service. 

“Almost everyone on that side of my family served,” he said. “They were great role models. I knew from a young age that I wanted to serve.” 

That commitment shaped a 25-year military career that included three combat deployments and a wide range of roles from shop mechanic and scout to maintenance leadership and first sergeant.  

A first sergeant is a senior enlisted leader who takes care of Soldiers and keeps the unit ready by enforcing standards, mentoring leaders and ensuring the mission gets done. 

Along the way, Woothtakewahbitty led people and managed equipment and budgets, often in high-pressure environments where mistakes carried serious consequences. 

“Almost every job I had in the military was stressful,” he shared. “I had jobs that were brutal working from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day under pressure to meet quotas on recruiting duty, and days in the motor pool or on supply convoys in Afghanistan that only ended when the mission was complete. Being responsible for the lives and safety of my Soldiers in a combat zone was always stressful.” 

Those experiences built a strong work ethic and a calm, steady approach that he brings to his work today with Benton County. 

“I don’t get stressed out easily,” he said. “Being shot at and taking care of Soldiers while their lives are on the line gives you perspective. It helps me perform well in difficult situations.” 

As Benton County’s safety officer, Woothtakewahbitty works largely behind the scenes, ensuring employees and the public are protected and that safety programs are effective and fiscally responsible. He said the military made safety second nature. 

“In the Army, we did a risk assessment for every task or hazard and developed a plan to mitigate it. That mindset never leaves you.” 

His military background also sharpened his ability to troubleshoot problems, stay calm under pressure and work with people from all walks of life. Over his career, he worked alongside West Point graduates, young Soldiers just out of high school, and people from many cultures and backgrounds. 

“The military taught me how to relate to different people and embrace diversity,” he said. “I’m grateful for that exposure, and I appreciate that Benton County values diversity, too.” 

Since joining Benton County, Woothtakewahbitty has partnered with department leaders to apply his military experience to real-world safety challenges, particularly for employees working along roadways. 

“I’ve worked closely with Ray as he’s transitioned into this role, especially around improving safety for our road crews,” said BJ Haley, Benton County roads operations manager. “His military background shows in how he approaches risk, accountability and teamwork. He’s focused on making sure our crews go home safe at the end of the day, and that mindset strengthens our entire operation.” 

Woothtakewahbitty said the sense of purpose he found in uniform continues in his civilian role. 

“I care about service and mission,” he said. “I care about the people I work with and making sure they go home safe. That’s where I get my purpose. From serving others and being part of a team that’s doing something meaningful.” 

For Woothtakewahbitty, the mission has changed, but the values remain the same. His commitment to service, teamwork and accountability closely reflects Benton County’s core value, “At Your Service, Every Day”, and guides how he supports coworkers and keeps people safe across the organization.