CareSource, Dragons Team Up to Honor Local Veteran
DAYTON, Ohio -CareSource and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Navy veteran William Zimmerman during the CareSource Veteran Salute Program on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at 1:05PM when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.
DAYTON, Ohio -CareSource and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Navy veteran William Zimmerman during the CareSource Veteran Salute Program on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at 1:05PM when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the third of five special CareSource Veteran Salute dates of the 2022 season.
The CareSource Veteran Salute Program provides veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service to their 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.
William Zimmerman’s Story
William Zimmerman, born and raised in Tipp City, graduated from Tippecanoe High School in 1964. He wanted to serve his country and enlisted in the Navy in December of 1965. William served 21 years in the military; four years active duty and 17 years in the reserves.
William began his career with the Navy in Pensacola, Florida. He was then moved to Long Beach, California for his second tour of duty. William recorded aviation flight information and repairs on assigned aircraft. His Vietnam service was aboard the USS Enterprise which was the first nuclear-powered ship to engage in combat by utilizing her aircraft against the Viet Cong at the height of the Vietnam War. In July of 1969, William returned to the United States – very happy to see the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as his ship drew nearer.
William continued to serve in the Naval Reserves until he retired in February of 1990. While in the reserves, he decided to attend college and graduated in 1981 from Edison State Community College with a degree in Business Management. He played basketball while in college and even started his own income tax business that continued for 40 years.
William was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star and many other service and campaign medals. He exemplifies a veteran who loves his community and continues to give back through his local church and volunteering for local causes. William has two children, three grandchildren, and resides in New Carlisle with his wife, Janel. He enjoys spending time with his family, bowling, watching the Reds, and attending Dragons games. He recently started reading more routinely and has read over 200 books in the last three years.
To nominate a veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program, please visit daytondragons.com/veteransalute today.
CareSource's Veteran Salute program highlights five veterans' stories during the course of each season. Veterans who are chosen are honored at a Dragons game with an in-game ceremony and provided with VIP treatment during their special night. The program is an extension of CareSource's continued commitment to serving special populations and its new efforts to support veterans through innovative health and life services programs. For more information about the Veteran Salute program, visit www.daytondragons.com/veteransalute.