William “Bill” Watts
Bill served our country in the United States Army from 1989 to 1996, with distinction and valor across multiple prestigious units including the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery of the 1st Cavalry Division, as well as the 2nd, 3rd, and 24th Infantry Divisions. A Gulf War Combat Veteran, he deployed not only to the frontlines in Kuwait but also to Korea and Egypt during Operation Bright Star, completing nine deployments to the National Training Center.
During his military service, Bill earned two Army Commendation Medals, six Army Achievement Medals, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, among numerous others. He was twice named NCO of the Quarter and recognized as Soldier of the Quarter at the Brigade level, a testament to his leadership and dedication. His bravery was evident on the battlefield, notably volunteering to disarm and remove a damaged M163 containing a live Stinger missile—under enemy fire.
After leaving active duty, Bill didn’t stop serving. He simply shifted his battlefield to the community.
He has spent over two decades shaping the City of Doral, not only as the first President of his Homeowners Association for 19 years but also as a founding member of the legal committee that helped Doral incorporate into the independent city it is today. He played a key role in establishing the city’s first public library, building schools, creating safer streets, and launching veteran outreach programs that have served thousands to include Vet Info in 2020.
A fierce advocate for veteran healthcare, Bill works directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C., having been seated on the VA’s Research Advisory Committee for Gulf War Illness, helping shape national health policy for the over 325,000 sick Gulf War Veterans. His 2019 Quality of Life Report, broadcast nationally from the VA, brought much-needed attention to this often-overlooked group. Currently a sitting Board Member of the South Florida Veteran Administration For Research and Education.
He has raised nearly $225,000 for veteran and community causes, organized food drives, spearheaded mental health and suicide prevention efforts, and has even used his passion for fishing and diving to help veterans heal—mentally, emotionally, and physically. In 2020 along with two Vietnam era Veteran Dependents created VET INFO to bring advocacy, Education and Information to the Veteran Community focused primarily on reducing Suicide in the Military Community.
A man of many honors, Bill has received the Congressional Veterans Commendation, the Florida Senate Veterans Champion Award, and not one, but two Keys to the City of Doral. June 11th,2022 is officially recognized as William “Bill” Watts Day in the City of Fort Lauderdale.
He has been featured nationally in the Department of Defense’s Gulf War Magazine, spotlighted by Nova Southeastern University, and appeared in an award-winning documentary on Gulf War Illness.
But perhaps most impressive of all—he has remained humble, grounded, and always ready to answer the call—whether it’s for one veteran or one thousand.