Dragons Veteran Salute Program Presented by CareSource Military and Veterans™ to Honor Major Charlynda Scales on July 14

DAYTON, Ohio -- CareSource Military & Veterans™ and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Air Force Veteran Charlynda Scales during the Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans™ on Sunday, July 14 when the Dragons take on the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm. Sunday will be the third Veteran Salute of the 2024 season.

The Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans™ provides Veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service to our country. Each honoree’s story is shared in front of the crowd at Day Air Ballpark, followed by a standing ovation in appreciation of the Veteran's hard work and dedication both in military and civilian accomplishments.

Major Charlynda Scales’ Story

Born and raised in Cookeville, Tennessee, Major Charlynda Scales is a fourth-generation military Veteran. She attended the Detachment 770 Air Force ROTC educational/training program at Clemson University from 2000-2004, graduating as a commissioned officer and with a degree in aerospace science and business management. She additionally holds an MBA in strategic leadership.

Scales joined the Air Force in 2002 and attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. In 2004, Scales was stationed at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia before moving to Hanscom Air Force Base outside Boston. She worked as a 63A Acquisition Officer, commonly known as program manager. In 2008, as lead program manager, Scales helped extinguish wildfires in California utilizing C-130 aircraft equipped with Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems, known as MAFFS II.

Scales ended her active-duty Air Force career in 2015 as a Captain. She received numerous awards, including quarterly awards, company grade officers’ awards, a Joint Achievement Medal, and more. Following her active-duty career, Scales joined the Air Force Reserves, serving as a program manager at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Throughout her life as a private citizen Veteran entrepreneur, Scales has utilized her military background to create major impact in our community. With her unique perspective as a Veteran, Scales feels it’s her duty as a citizen to continue giving back.

Scales is a mom, author, entrepreneur, speaker, and more. Her debut book titled Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline was endorsed by celebrity Shark Tank judge Daymond John. The book is touring across the country. Scales is also the founder of her own company, Mutt’s Sauce, which is manufactured in Dayton. She additionally serves as executive director of 6888 (“Six Triple Eight”) Kitchen Incubator. A sought-after keynote speaker, Scales recently spoke at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where she completed basic training. Scales says her greatest accomplishment is her son, David.

To nominate a Veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans™, visit daytondragons.com/veteransalute.