Willie Watson

Army

Hi, my name is Willie. I am a dedicated veteran and family man with a long record of service, leadership, and resilience. Over a 24‑year career in the United States Army, I served as a Field Artillery Cannon Crewman and progressed through every position from cannon crewman to Chief of the Firing Battery. Among my most meaningful assignments was my service as a Drill Sergeant from 1991 to 1994, a role in which I trained, mentored, and shaped new soldiers—instilling discipline, technical proficiency, and the values of teamwork and accountability. My military career was recognized with multiple awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal (second award), reflecting sustained superior performance and commitment to duty.

Following military retirement, I continued my commitment to public service with an 18‑year career at the United States Postal Service, where I served my community with the same work ethic, integrity, and dependability that defined my military service. Outside of work, my wife Racheal and I have built a life centered on family and outdoor pursuits. We are parents of two grown children, JaMaree and Treston, and we cherish time spent together—particularly activities that get us outdoors. Fishing and other outdoor pursuits are sources of restoration and joy, and they reinforce the active, engaged life I strive to maintain.

I was first diagnosed with kidney disease in 2007. Over the years the condition has progressively impacted my kidney function. Although I am not currently receiving dialysis, a catheter has been placed and is available to initiate dialysis if necessary. Throughout this health journey, I have approached each challenge with the same calm determination and disciplined resilience that characterized my military and civilian careers. I am actively working with my medical team to manage my condition and to pursue a kidney transplant, which would significantly improve my quality of life and enable me to more fully engage with family, community, and the activities I love.

As a transplant candidate, I bring strengths that extend beyond medical need: disciplined adherence to treatment plans, strong communication skills, and a proven history of reliability and follow‑through. I am committed to the rigorous post‑transplant care and lifestyle adjustments necessary to protect a donated organ and promote long‑term health. My family—my wife Racheal and children JaMaree and Treston—are a central part of my support network; their encouragement and involvement are integral to my recovery and future well‑being.

I am grateful for the consideration of potential living donors, transplant teams, and community members who value the opportunity to help a veteran and public servant regain fuller health. With a lifetime of service behind me and a strong commitment to the responsibilities of recovery ahead, I am ready to embrace the next chapter with gratitude, discipline, and hope.

We need you to help us support Willie. Whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, you can make a profound impact!

Living kidney donation has been proven to be safe. There are no long term consequences to the donor. After recovery, donors can live a normal life with one kidney.

DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery.

Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611.

DOVE seeks to improve access to living kidney transplantation for Veterans by facilitating kidney donor campaigns and providing education, advocacy and support to all donors.