Daniel Watters

Chief Master Sergeant Daniel James Watters, Sr., US Air Force, Retired, age 72, of Saucier, passed away on December 27, 2019.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Murray Watters; his mother, Margaret Hammond Watters; brother, George M. Watters, II; and sister, Mary Helen Watters.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Diane Gallagher Watters; two children, son Daniel James Watters, Jr. and his wife, Tracy Diane Watters, and daughter Dana Christine Mason and her husband, James Richard Mason; two sisters, Patricia Imburgia and Kathleen “Kay” Horsell and her husband, Arthur Horsell; five grandchildren: Caitlin Diane Watters, Brendan Riley Watters, Brandi Lee Dayner, Amber Nicole Gastineau, and Carrie Louise Jenkins; five great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Rory Patrick Gallagher; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Chief Watters was a native of Oakland, California and was a current resident of Saucier, Mississippi.  He held an Associate’s Degree in Health Sciences for the Community College of the Air Force and also held an Associate’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Maryland.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force on September 6, 1966 where he completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas and graduated from the Basic Medical Service Course at Sheppard AFB, Texas.  He retired in 1996 as a Chief Master Sergeant at Keesler AFB, Mississippi.  His first duty assignment was Edwards Air Force Base in California on the Medical Surgical Unit and Emergency Services.  His next assignment took him to Cam Rahn Bay, Republic of Vietnam, where he worked on the Orthopedic Ward, Civic Action ward, and Emergency Services.  He also was deployed into the field as a combat medic with a Marine Unit. After Vietnam, he went to Germany with tours at Hahn AB in Emergency Services and Morbach as an Independent Duty Medical Technician.  His career led him to Kincheloe AFB, Michigan with duties to include shift leader, Emergency Services and NCOIC Nursing Services.  He completed training as an Allergy and Immunology Technician during his tour at Kincheloe.  After Kinchloe AFB, he moved to F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, where he served as NCOIC, Emergency Services, and NCOIC, Nursing Services.  While at F.E. Warren, he functioned as Senior Medical Technician for Detachment 10, 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron and was credited with “5 saves.”  He PCS’d to Luke AFB as NCOIC, Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Services.  His next tour of duty was at the 18th USAF Clinic, Kadena AB, Okinawa, with duty as Superintendent, Aerospace Medicine Services.  His next stop was 99th Medical Group, Nellis AFB, Nevada where he performed as Manager, Nursing Services, and Hospital Senior Medical Enlisted Coordinator.  He was hand-picked to be the Command Medical Services Manager and Senior Medical Enlisted Coordinator at Headquarters, United States Air Force Europe (USAFE), located at Ramstein AB, Germany.  He also had oversight of 34 Independent Duty Medical Technician Sites in USAFE.  He returned stateside to Malcolm Grow USAF Medical Center, Andrews AFB, Maryland, as Manager, Hospital Services, and Senior Medical Enlisted Coordinator.  He concluded his career as Group Staff, Medical Enlisted Coordinator, at the 81st Medical Group, Keesler AFB, Mississippi.

Chief Watters’ awards and decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with the “Valor” device and 13 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with 1 star, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Tour Short Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Tour Long Ribbon with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  He was selected as Senior NCO of the Year for Luke AFB Hospital.

He served a total of 29¾ years on active duty in the Air Force and then worked as a clinical staff recruiter followed by employment as a hospital Environmental Services Manager for various contract companies and the VA post military retirement.  He was a member of the American Legion, Democratic Party, VFW, and a supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, the ASPCA, various Catholic charities, and Paws of War.  He was an avid “49ers” football fan and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, and golf.

Dan has always been “The Wind Beneath Our Wings” offering support, love, and patience.  He loved his country and believed all Americans should stand for the National Anthem and flag and kneel to their God.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Paws of War.

A graveside service was held on Monday, December 30, 2019, in the Biloxi National Cemetery, Veterans Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississippi where he now rests in Section FF, grave 1260, beside his fellow comrades in arms.

The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, served the family.