The Purple Patch - Missouri Valley College

A Veteran on a Mission
by
Raymond Banks
As a young man Master Sergeant Kevin Dixon set his mind
on going to the army and becoming someone who could help serve
his country. At that time he did not know how much of an impact he
would have in the lives of those around him. In 1981 he joined the
Army as a Private First Class (PFC) and would later obtain the rank
of Master Sergeant. While in the Army, Master Sergeant Dixon was
deployed to Germany, Korea, Puerto Rico, Haiti and also Alaska which
is considered an overseas tour of duty.
“I joined the Army because of the training opportunities,
educational benefits, and it gave me the adventure of traveling to
new places and meeting people from around the world,” said Sergeant
Dixon. The Army also provided him with monetary benefits; steady
paycheck, retirement, medical and dental, post housing, military shopping
centers, for him and his family.
“Most of all it was tradition. My uncles were in the Army and
it was an opportunity to serve my Country,” said Sergeant Dixon.
After he retired from the Army he became involved with
JROTC at Westport High School in 2001 as a JROTC instructor. For
the last nine years he has been there and when asked if he would
leave he proudly told me that Westport High School has been his one
and only school and he wishes not to leave it. During the past nine
years he has produced eight award winning drill teams, the past 8
years beating regional and national championship teams. More importantly
he has reached out a helping hand to the school, the students,
and the community of Kansas City, MO. Hundreds of students have
come to Westport and have been pushed and inspired to become productive
and motivated citizens.
While at Westport, Sergeant Dixon has faced many obstacles
that could have turned him away, but he has stood his ground and
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