ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- "It's 1979. I'm in the ninth grade. And I'm the kid running down the hall, full of energy -- not listening. Ms. Butler, school guidance counselor, stops me. In her office, she pointed to the Columbia High School Wall of Fame and asked if I could ever see myself up there. (I thought about it.)
"Ms. Butler told me, You have to commit yourself and start now."
That's the story Brig. Gen. Richard B. Dix shared with 20 Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley on December 13.
From that day in 1979 to four years at South Carolina State University, and 35 years later as a general officer in the United States Army, Dix told students he found his passion.
Dix, commander, Joint Munitions Command, was joined by other command leaders -- Command Sgt. Maj. Walton Jones and Melanie Johnson, Deputy to the Commander, as they explained how they made a plan for their lives and shaped their careers in the process.
"I haven't worked a day since I graduated -- because I love what I do and it doesn't feel like a job. Find something you like to do and make it your passion," said Dix.
The 20 Littles were joined by their respective Big Brother or Big Sister as each Little shared their career aspirations. And instantly, Dix, Jones, and Johnson were surrounded by future entrepreneurs, educators, military officers, firemen, police officers, professional basketball and soccer players, and a chef.
Each leader provided personal words of advice to inspire and motivate students to dream bigger, plan boldly, and follow through with their career plans.
"I'm going to give you two pieces of paper that I want you to hold on to. I'll also give you a business card," said Dix.
On the paper, a template for a Five Year Plan -- modeled after the Army's own plan for Soldiers. On the business card, Richard B. Dix, Brigadier General, United States Army.
"If you keep in touch, I'll help you.
"We want you to be anything you want to be. We're giving you the roadmap to be successful," said Dix.
Command Sgt. Maj. Walton Jones offered advice that spoke directly to the pressures students face.
"Don't be so caught up in being in the 'in crowd' -- you can be an individual," he said.
Jones praised the Littles for dreaming big and reminded them to believe in themselves.
"I started in the military as an E1 (private) and I've held every enlisted position. I got here because I didn't stop believing in myself, or other people. I can see so much potential in all of you," said Jones.
He took the time to authenticate his nearly 30 years of military experience and the unbreakable bond of the Army.
"You never lose that comradery in the military. I remember every leader I've served with even through seven deployments. We are our brother and sister's keepers. You'll never find a more honorable profession than being a Soldier. I gave America the best I could -- my service."
Melanie Johnson challenged students to forge their own trail, saying, "You can go it the conventional way or unconventional way." Johnson considers her federal career an unconventional story of dedication and service.
On the job, Johnson previously managed a $7 billion dollar budget in direct support of procurement efforts as director of Army Contracting Command -- Rock Island. She began her career as a clerk typist at the Rock Island Arsenal, and for the next 20 years Johnson obtained her education through part time studies. Johnson credited her family for her success.
With talk of plans, dreams, and self-confidence, Johnson added the missing element.
"It's important to (have) family support."
Dix reminded students to follow their own path to the pinnacle of their dreams, while never forgetting to be of service.
"You owe it to reach back and help someone reach their dreams. That's how it works."
Social Sharing