Dragons Veteran Salute Program to Honor Staff Sergeant Dan Shroyer on Sunday

DAYTON, Ohio -- CareSource Military & Veterans and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Marine Corps, Ohio Air National Guard, and United States Army Reserve veteran Staff Sergeant Dan Shroyer during the Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans on Sunday, June 22 at 1:05 pm when the Dayton Dragons take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the third of five special Veteran Salute dates during the 2025 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 has their story 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.

Staff Sergeant Dan Shroyer’s Story:

Retired Staff Sergeant Dan Shroyer has dedicated over 22 years of his life to the United States military, serving across three different branches with unwavering commitment. His service began while he was still in high school when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1955. Four years later, he transitioned to active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps, training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. From there, he was stationed in Okinawa, and later Camp Lejeune, where he served as a Radio Telegraph Operator and earned the rank of Private First Class. He completed his service in 1963 and returned to civilian life in Springfield, Ohio.

After beginning a career in the insurance industry, getting married, and starting a family, Dan once again answered the call to serve. In 1978, he enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard, returning to the role of Radio Telegraph Operator. He served at the Springfield Air National Guard base, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant before concluding his service in 1985.

In 1987, Dan joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a truck driver and was assigned extra duty as the retention NCO with the 656th Transportation Company in Springfield. When the Gulf War began, he was one of the oldest reservists activated for deployment at the age of 52. He served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991, delivering fuel to front-line troops in Kuwait. Upon his return, he served as an NCO Recruiter and completed his military career in August 1996 as a Staff Sergeant E-6. Dan’s long list of awards include the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Award, Marine of the Year Medal, Rifle Expert Medal, Pistol Sharpshooter, and multiple community service recognitions.

Since retirement, Dan continues to serve his fellow veterans and community. At 87, he leads the Honor Guard for Marine Corps League Detachment 963 in Springfield, organizing and performing military honors for veteran funerals and Ohio Hospice of Dayton pinning ceremonies. He has volunteered for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, participated in countless Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies, and served as Detachment Chaplain, offering prayers and visitation to those in need. In 2023, and again this year in 2025, Dan represented Ohio at the National Veterans Golden Age Games competing in five different sporting events. He brought home two gold medals, a silver medal, a bronze medal, and two ribbons.

Dan is also an avid fisherman and master angler, a devoted church member, a loving husband of 57 years, a father of five, grandfather of 11, and great-grandfather of two.

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