Dayton, Ohio - CareSource Military & Veterans and the Dayton Dragons will host retired United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Bill Millar through the Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 1:05 pm when the Dayton Dragons take on the Quad Cities River Bandits at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the fifth of five special Veteran Salute dates for the 2026 season.
The Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veteran 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.
Retired Chief Master Sergeant Bill Millar's Story:
Chief Master Sergeant Bill Millar was born in Michigan and raised in Georgia. He knew since his freshman year of high school, that he wanted to serve in the military. Chief Master Sergeant Millar also had strong family ties to military service, as his older brother served in the United States Air Force.
In 1978, Chief Master Sergeant Millar began basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After completing basic training, he attended technical school at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi before being assigned to the F-16 Program Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
In 1981, Chief Master Sergeant Millar joined the Air Force Orientation Group (AFOG), a recruiting organization that allowed him to travel extensively throughout the United States. During this time, he also began cross-training as a medic, expanding his role and responsibilities within the Air Force. In 1988, he was assigned to the 906th Tactical Clinic before joining the 445th Aerospace Medical Squadron.
As a member of the 445th Aerospace Medical Squadron, Chief Master Sergeant Millar participated in numerous humanitarian missions both domestically and internationally. He often treated more than 100 patients per day and served in 49 of the 50 states. His overseas assignments took him to countries including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Denmark, Germany, and Bulgaria, where he provided critical medical care and support to communities in need.
By 1996, Chief Master Sergeant Millar had become a Senior Medic in the Air Force Reserve, overseeing staffing, medical supplies, and medical examinations. He served in this leadership role for nearly two decades before retiring in 2015 as a Chief Master Sergeant. During his distinguished military career, he received numerous awards and commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and Air Force Volunteer Service Medal, along with many other individual, unit, and service-level honors.
Following his military service, Chief Master Sergeant Millar continued serving his community by working as a dispatcher for the Wittenberg Police Department. Since 2016, he has worked as a school bus driver and Onboard Instructor, helping train and mentor future drivers. He also remains active in community service, volunteering with the United Service Organizations (USO) and serving as the sole trustee of his church, where he oversees maintenance and facility operations.
Today, Chief Master Sergeant Millar enjoys golfing, reading, and spending time with his wife of 43 years and their two children. His lifelong commitment to service, both in and out of uniform, continues to positively impact those around him.
To nominate a veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans, please visit daytondragons.com/veteransalute.