Charlene Williams

Move United / Our Athletes /

Charlene Williams

Charlene, the Chief of Staff for James Beatty Golf Ventures is a 26-year Naval veteran. Charlene’s assignments include her first duty assignment in the Republic of the Philippines for two years, followed by ”Aviation Electrician A1" School in Millington, TN; a two-year tour in Miramar, CA, followed by a tour in Diego Garcia and Atsugi, Japan.

Charlene then returned to NAS Miramar for a two-year tour; where she earned a BA in Psychology from National University in San Diego. Other assignments include Naval Brig where she earned a MA in Organizational Guidance Counseling from Norfolk State University.

While onboard The Landing Helicopter Amphibious Assault Ship (LHA-4) USS NASSAU at AIMD, Charlene was deployed during ‪9/11‬ in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. While stationed onboard the USS NASSAU, Charlene became the first female Sailor of the Year to serve on the LHA-4. She was also stationed onboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Carl Vinson as Drug and Alcohol Counselor and the Aircraft Carrier USS Enterprise. Charlene, served at several commands overseas, including my Bahrain, as the Regional Drug and Alcohol Officer for Djibouti and Dubai, Diego Garcia, and Korea. During her tenure, she traveled, trained, and facilitated many Sailors in countries such as Spain, Italy as Alcohol, Drug, and Urinalysis facilitator, Dubai, Djibouti, and many other locations. More so, Charlene loves traveling to different countries and learning about different cultures.

Sports

Golf/Adaptive Golf

City

Tampa

Charlene’s, career highlights include qualifying for dual warfare pins, Master Training Specialist, Lean Sigma Six, first female Sailor of the Year on the USS NASSAU LHA-4, and attending the Senior Enlisted Academy. Charlene has been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Stars, Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Stars, and various other personal and unit awards.

Charlene is presently pursuing her Doctorate because increasing educational enlightenment and expanding her knowledge are of prime importance. During my career as Command Fitness Coordinator, she earned several fitness certifications as such as a certified Spin, Step aerobics, and Zumba instructor. I enjoy reading, watching, and playing sports (especially golf), and spending time with loved ones.

Since retirement, Charlene has dedicated her life to everything golf. Charlene is an Adaptive Golf Sports member, LPGA member, USGA, VSGA, Fairways to Warrior member, A Perfect Swing Golf member, Girls with Goals, LLC Supporter, Special Olympics volunteer representative, and the Military Veterans representative member for the We Are Golf’s Diversity Sub-Task Force.

Charlene, worked with Jim Beatty and Rodney Little, on this year’s historical first African American Golf EXPO, in Marietta GA.

Charlene, states, “I can not begin to explain just how much golf has positively changed my life physically, mentally, and spiritually as well. I constantly share my experience with as many as possible, because, I honestly want them to enjoy and share what I love, adore, and cherish with respect to golf! Hence, the reason I would love to give youngsters the same tools via The First Tee Program to develop and make positive changes physically, mentally, and spiritually as well.”Charlene also says “I honestly believe that the game of golf saves lives. Speaking from personal experience. Playing golf has saved my life. In fact, golf has been my lifeline. I encourage everybody to indulge in a wonderful game that impacts millions of lives yearly. Golfing takes me away from the world of chaos including pain and into a world of love, peace, and harmony.”

Not long after retirement, Charlene discovered Adaptive Golf. It would change Charlene’s life and create a career trajectory, never planned for to develop into the golf game.

Put simply, Adaptive Golf is a program that makes golf accessible for virtually anybody, no matter what physical condition one might have. Move United has added to her passion. Charlene has friends and relatives who now live a better life because of Adaptive Golf. She has an insatiable appetite for assisting others.

“I am extremely grateful to Move United, for the many opportunities. I love the concept and the various aspects involved. It is a true honor to be a Sports ambassador representing Move United. Move United not only advocates, promotes, mentors, and encourages… Move United also personifies increased diversity and inclusion while integrating Social Media & Technology to collaborate and network the Golf Community in respect the women and girls,” Charlene said.

“I have been a member a little over two and 1/2 years and I can not stop thanking Move United, for the positive changes in my life!!
Move United, offers a plethora of opportunities and activities on and off the course. Along with my many veteran activities my life and schedule have been full of positive, exciting adventures. Not to mention all the wonderful and beautiful individuals I have met during the past year. What a true blessing!”

“I can not speak for everyone. However, if you are interested in making a new start and looking for an adventure… I always wanted to learn to play golf. Of course, I’m no pro! But I certainly love learning from the Pro,” said Charlene.

To those thinking about trying adaptive sports, Chalere would say to “share Move United’s philosophy of ‘helping to redefine disability for more than 100,000 youth and adults each year who develop independence, confidence, and become stronger every day through participation in sports, including recreation, competition & education programs.'”

Charlene’s goal is to continue with Move United, get qualified in all Sports certifications, gain more Move United knowledge, and share as much information about the program with others. She will aim to form a relationship with military golf establishments like We Are Golf’ and would like to become LPGA certified.