A Champion for Veterans In Niceville

When it comes to helping veterans, there’s no more resolute advocate than Niceville’s Daquiri Champion.

Born in Texas, the retired dietician and Air Force wife grew up surrounded by relatives who served in the military. So, it’s no surprise that the current regent of the Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has a soft spot for veterans.

“My mom, dad, and I left Texas in the early (19) fifties and became residents in a town in Michigan near Lake Michigan and the Indiana state line,” Champion explained. “It was one of those small towns with a very midwestern feel. It was also very patriotic, as many original settlers or their children had participated in the Revolutionary War.”

Before graduating from college, Champion met a “handsome Air Force pilot” who asked her to marry him. They married during the Vietnam War, and in one year, Champion’s husband lost three close friends who died in the line of duty.

After the war, he became a hurricane hunter pilot and flew C-130 gunships. In 1987, her husband’s military career brought the couple and their three children to Niceville.

“We have lived in Niceville since then, with three kids graduating from Niceville (High School) and two going on to graduate from state colleges,” she said. After a busy career where she worked as a dietician consultant at nursing homes in Bay, Walton, and Okaloosa counties, Champion became involved with genealogy organizations in an effort to give back to her community during her retirement.

“I love history, genealogy, and have a love for the military,” she said. As an Air Force wife who can count numerous veterans in her family – including a daughter who is a Navy captain and a son-in-law who’s an admiral – she naturally gravitated towards helping and honoring other veterans.

“After joining DAR, I served as the Commemorative Events chair and planned and executed the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War ceremony for veterans in Walton County,” she recalled. Last year, she helped to coordinate a similar event in Okaloosa County in conjunction with the Air Force Armament Museum – an effort that was recognized with a first place award from the state DAR leadership.

Champion’s involvement with veteran causes includes helping with the local Wreaths across America campaign, as well as the annual Veterans Stand Down. This event provides a wide array of assistance and services to homeless veterans.

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“For two years, I worked with the Exchange Club on the annual Fields of Valor event,” she added. “As the Service to Veterans chair for our DAR chapter, I set up a program to deliver baked goods to the families residing at the Fisher House. In the past, I provided more than 5,000 home-baked items to the USO and helped raise scholarship money for young military personnel and high school students who have enlisted.”

Champion’s contributions include making “Welcome Home” baskets for homeless veterans and organizing “baby showers” to collect items for female military personnel who are expecting a baby.

She’s also actively involved in honoring veterans who have made significant contributions to their communities. Last week, she attended an event honoring Niceville resident Karl Eschmann as the Florida State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Veteran of the Year award.

“My heritage demands that I honor these men and women who gave, if not all, always some part of themselves and their families to protect our nation and its citizens,” Champion said. “These men and women serve gallantly, and this is why it is an honor and a privilege to tell each veteran thank you for your service and sacrifice. I also thank their families.”

“I know this sounds corny,” she added. “But I try to practice what John F.

Kennedy said at his Inaugural Address. ‘Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.'”