Dragons Veteran Salute Program Presented by CareSource Military and Veterans™ to Honor Master Sergeant Ian Williams on Sunday

DAYTON, Ohio -- CareSource Military & Veterans™ and the Dayton Dragons will host Master Sergeant Ian Williams, a United States Air Force Veteran, during the Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans™ on Sunday, September 1 at 1:05 pm when the Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the fifth and final 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.

Master Sergeant Ian Williams’ Story

Born and raised in Ohio, Master Sergeant Ian Williams was not ready for college. He decided to join the Air Force after finishing high school. Williams began his 21-year Air Force career in June of 1991.

First, Williams entered basic training. He was later stationed at Misawa Air Base in Japan. Further assignments were in San Antonio, Texas, at Osan Air Base in Korea, and Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. Williams retired as a Master Sergeant in September of 2012 while stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Williams was deployed nine times throughout his career to numerous places, such as Bosnia/Kosovo and the USNS Observation Island, otherwise known as Cobra Judy. He also completed two tours in Iraq, two tours in Qatar, and one tour in Afghanistan. Williams received many awards throughout his career. Two of his most proud awards include the Army Commendation with Valor medal, and acceptance into the Wounded Warrior Program.

While in the Air Force, Williams graduated with a bachelor’s degree in IT Management. He later continued his education by completing three master’s degrees and a Program Manager Certificate from Cornell University. After retiring, Williams served four years as a government civilian. Since 2018, Williams has worked with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as a contractor in acquisitions.

Working as a contractor has given Williams the ability to continue serving. Since retiring, Williams misses his uniform, but has immense appreciation for each skill he has learned and still carries today.

Williams enjoys spending his time with his family, including his wife Tanya, their four children Kirsty, Ryan, Michelle, and Tristan, three grandchildren Ezra, Elle, and Waylon, and service dog, Que. Continuing on with service, Williams’ son Ryan is a Dayton fireman, and Williams’ son-in-law Luke is a Deputy Sheriff and Airman in the Ohio National Guard.

The family supports many causes such as 4Paws for Ability, where Williams’ daughter-in-law Lynn works, and various other organizations and events around Dayton. Williams spends his free time camping, golfing, and cheering on his favorite football and baseball teams.

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