CareSource, Dragons Team Up to Honor Local Veteran

DAYTON, Ohio -CareSource and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Air Force veteran Mari Chamberlain during the CareSource Veteran Salute Program on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at 1:05PM 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 fourth 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.

Mari Chamberlain’s Story

Mari Chamberlain, born in Kulpmont, Pennsylvania, graduated from Mansfield University with a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and a minor in Food Service Management. She was accepted into the Dietic Internship Program at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland 1990, beginning her 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force.

Upon entering her internship, Mari was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After her internship, she was assigned to Nellis Air Force base in Nevada, where she served as the Nutritional Med Flight Commander before being promoted to the Chief of Nutrition Medicine Service and became a registered dietician. From there, she went to Officer Squadron School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama where she was promoted to Captain. Mari then went on to Andrews Air Force Base where she was the Chief of Food Procurement Production.

In 1999, Mari was awarded the Air Force Institute of Technology scholarship where she completed her master’s degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. She then went on to Sheppard Air Force Base where she worked as the Chief of the Diet Therapy Training Program and was promoted to Major. In 2003, Mari was assigned to Lackland Air Force Base where she was the Clinical Nutrition Flight Commander.

Mari was deployed to Balad Air Force Base in Iraq as a Nutritional Medical Flight Commander in 2005. She worked with the clinical nutrition support at the field hospital providing both in and outpatient care. Upon her return, Mari was assigned to Fort Detrick where she worked at the Medical Operations Agency and was promoted to her highest rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Her final assignment was to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 2010, where she finished out the last four years of her career. She was a Nutritional Center Flight Commander while also working as a Consultant Dietician overseeing the dieticians for nine different Air Force bases. In 2014, Mari retired after achieving many medals and awards throughout her career. She is most proud of the “USAF Outstanding Field Grade Dietician of the Year” award in 2005.

Over her 24 years in the Air Force, Mari learned how to be flexible, resilient, and work through the bad times. After retirement, Mari worked for Kettering Health for seven years, and now spends her time volunteering at Carillon Park. She has made her home in the Miami Valley and enjoys spending time with her three sons, husband, and two dogs. Her hobbies include crafting, camping, and cheering on the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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.

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