This article features William F. Jiron, Jr.
William Jiron Jr., known by friends and family as Bill, honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1989, completing more than twenty-one years of dedicated service to his country. A native of Washington, D.C., Bill returned to the D.C. suburbs following his military career, continuing his lifelong commitment to national service.
After retiring from the Air Force, Bill accepted employment as a federal government contractor, where he was able to apply his military skills in a civilian capacity. His work allowed him to continue contributing to national defense and public service in the Washington area.
In 2008, after becoming disabled, Bill retired from contracting and relocated to Delaware. Upon settling in Sussex County, he quickly recognized that even while using a wheelchair, he could still make a difference in the lives of fellow veterans. Motivated by that calling, he applied for and received approval from the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission to establish the Veterans Awareness Center in Greenwood, Delaware.
The Veterans Awareness Center became a vital resource hub for veterans on the western side of Sussex County, offering information, guidance, and emergency shelter for at risk veterans. Since its founding, Bill’s guiding motto has been “I don’t know is not an option.” That philosophy has driven him to build strong partnerships across the State of Delaware, connecting veterans with resources that promote independence and self-sufficiency. Since its inception in 2008, Bill’s initiative has served more than 16,000 veterans throughout the Delmarva region and beyond.
In addition to providing day to day support at the Center, Bill has led the creation and growth of several cornerstone programs:
- Delaware Veterans Stand Down – Serving as Public Affairs Officer for more than 18 years, coordinating annual events that provide essential services, fellowship, and entertainment for thousands of veterans.
- Military Women’s Tea – Celebrating and supporting female service members for over 13 years.
- Give A Vet A Smile Program – Offering free dental care to disadvantaged veterans for more than 11 years.
- Mason Dixon Veterans Stand Down – Organized and directed for three years in Salisbury, Maryland, until Delaware’s Stand Down expanded significantly in attendance.
In 2025, the Delaware Veterans Stand Down in Dover hosted over 1,500 veterans and guests, providing camaraderie, meals, and entertainment. More than 130 organizations, including federal, state, local, business, and faith-based partners, joined to serve those who have served our nation.
Beyond his administrative and advocacy work, Bill has always had a deep passion for music. After retiring from the Air Force, he studied voice under Meeker and Cole at Cochise College and later with Jerome Barry at the Scottish Rite in Washington, D.C. Bill generously shares his musical talent at veteran’s events throughout the Eastern Shore, including at the burials of homeless veterans.
When no family or friends are present, Bill performs a heartfelt rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer,” dedicating over 1,500 volunteer hours annually. He is also a proud 32° Mason within the Masonic Order.
Bill’s distinguished affiliations include:
- Life Member, Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Commander, DAV Chapter 9 (Seaford, Delaware), 2008 to 2010
- Trained Service Officer and Aide to the DAV National Commander
- Recipient, Department of Delaware’s 2011 Outstanding Disabled American Veteran of the Year Award
- Life Member, AMVETS Post 22 De.
- Life Member, American Legion Post 136 Md. (25 years)
In recognition of his exceptional volunteer service, Bill received the Governor John Carney Award for Volunteering in 2018. He also continues to support his wife, Liz Jiron, who serves as Director of the Delaware Veterans Stand Down.
Bill and Liz have shared a lifelong bond, having known each other since the fourth grade and marrying in 1999. Together, they have raised a family of five sons and two daughters, with fifteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren, all of whom, in one way or another, continue to uphold their legacy of service to veterans and community.
Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine
