William Charles Eason proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He began flying while a member of the Air Force ROTC program at San Diego State University. After graduation in 1970, he earned his commission and attended Air Force Pilot Training at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas. He was later stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, where he flew the KC-135 and completed more than 150 combat support air refueling missions over Vietnam and Southeast Asia. For his dedicated service, Captain Eason was awarded the Air Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. Throughout these years, he was supported by his devoted wife, Gayle, whose strength and sacrifice at home were a vital part of his service.

 Throughout his distinguished flying career in both the Air Force and as a commercial airline pilot, Captain Eason flew a wide range of aircraft—including the T-37, T-38, KC-135, Boeing 727, and Boeing 737—and accumulated over 25,000 hours of flight time. He served in the Air Force from 1970 to 1976, exemplifying courage, excellence, and devotion to duty.

- Christine Raymond